BOLO Score!

Remember that BOLO list that I talked about just yesterday? Well, I can cross one item off of that list. I have been searching for a long yellow cardigan for awhile now with no luck. On a Goodwill run yesterday I found it! Kind of...

It isn't a *long* cardi, but more of of a medium length. In my last post I talked about being open minded at the thrifts. Even though this pretty cardigan wasn't long, I told myself just to try it on, and I am glad I did! It is an Ann Taylor Loft garment, $3.59.

On the same trip I found this:

An Apt. 9 lined lace tunic top with wide sash, $3.59. I am normally do not wear lace, however, Lindsey over at Thrift and Shout blog did a post on how lace is a hot new trend and photographed herself in a beautiful lace top. When I saw this shirt on the rack, I thought of her post and tried it on. It looked great! Especially when paired with the yellow cardigan. Thanks for the inspiration Lindsey! (She has a great thrifted fashion blog that you should definitely check out)

On the way home from the GW, I saw a fluorescent orange sign from afar and knew it could only be one thing...a yard sale! I hung a quick right then a left and one creative parking job later, I had arrived. The yard sale was that of an elderly woman who had passed and they were cleaning out the house. I try to be especially respectful and gentle with my haggling in these types of situations where a death is involved. This woman must have loved to read. There were hundreds of books, mostly steamy romance novels, which gave me a chuckle.

I ended up with a blue quilted leather vintage purse for $1, a vintage metallic silver evening bag, and a bag full of Barbie collectible ornaments from Hallmark.  The metallic silver evening bag is here in the Etsy shop and the Barbie ornaments will soon be in the ebay store (I will do another post on these).

Wanna see this whole ensemble put together? Stop over to the Facebook page!

What's your most recent BOLO score?
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Thrifted Decor

Rewind one year: I was quitting my job. Parents, friends, and relatives probably thought I had gone off the deep end. But in reality, I would have gone off the cliff if I didn't quit, but that is a story for another day.

When I entered my 'early retirement', as I called it then, my first priority was getting our house under control. We had lived in our first home for just a little over a year and there were still boxes that hadn't been unpacked and a barren, non-cozy feel to our nest. I needed to decorate! But wait...I had just left my job and we were still getting accustomed to our new living on less lifestyle. What was a girl to do on a decorating budget of nil??

Go thrifting!

I would say that this is when my passion for thrifting started. I went to yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores, scouring the decor and furniture sections. I came up with some pretty fun pieces at next to nothing prices.

The first area I decorated with mostly thrifted finds was our back entry way. This area serves many different purposes. The dog is always in and out of this door and guests see this area when we entertain outside in the summer. It is also the door that leads to our garden.

This is how it started, blank and boring:

Here is the space mid-makeover:

 This is how it looks today, warm, inviting, and functional!

Here's the breakdown:
Weathered bench: yard sale $8
Pictures: gifts and thrifted $1.50
Rug: Pier 1 clearance 22.50 (and I had a $20 gift card!)
Anti-slip rug grip material: yard sale $5 (new in package)
Boots and watering can and spade: my own and my Grandma's

I just love how it turned out. I can sit on the bench, pull on my boots and grab my watering can and spade before heading out into the garden. When the dog comes back in from the yard, the rug helps to trap the debris he drags in. This is also an inviting space for guests when we entertain in the yard.

The small entry way was just the start to my thrifted decorating projects...more to come!

What areas of your home have you decorated with mostly thrifted decor? You are welcome to leave a comment below, or come and show off a photo over at the Facebook fan page!
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Linking up with Her Library Adventures: Flea Market Finds and Homemaker on a Dime: Creative Bloggers Hop.

Gee-Vahn-Chee...and more Pyrex, of the Cinderella nature!

There was only 1 yard sale posted this last week on Cragslist, wah-wah. Winter set in today with a lovely 4" snow, so it will definitely be slim pickings from now through the rest of the Winter season.
At the one and only yard sale, I picked up this fun vintage cheerleading sweater with applique in a bright orange color. It reminds me of those SNL skits for the 'Perfect Cheer'. Here's the shirt and a perfect cheer to go along with it...

 Click Here For The SNL Perfect Cheer Skit

I had read a recent article that hosiery was coming back. Ughh, what torture!! I mean tights are one thing, but hosiery that itches, runs, snags, and makes your shoes not want to stay on, what-evs! But I guess Kate Middleton has been spotted in them, so that explains it. Now, when I was at said single yard sale, I spotted 3 packs of never worn and in original packaging Givenchy hose in the colors of pink, purple, and bright red.

I remembered the hosiery article, and they were vintage, and they were Givenchy, and they were 50 cents, and they were unique colors, you get the point. Listed them on the 'bay and sold the first pair within 8 hours for $14.99. Two are still available. I currently have two people 'watching'  a pair. Not a bad, quick, little flip huh?!

Since the yard sales are donesies, I will be heavily searching the Goodwill's to satiate my thrifting desires. I had a long and expensive Wednesday dealing with a car repair, but they gave me a loaner, so I figured I would use their gas to drive around town and hit the GW's! Out of that little trip came these...

 Via Spiga patent heels

Brighton heeled sandals

Small Pyrex Cinderella  Homestead pattern bowl, brown on tan, near mint!

Gay Head Martha's Vineyard vintage collectors measuring cup. Side note, if you Google Gay Head to do some research on a newly acquired find, you will get some interesting hits!

Wilton Barbie Cake Pan  

Starbucks Mug for Travel

Dana Buchman blouse in a beautiful shade of blue

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament with Santa and Reindeer on a motorcycle 1997, lights up too!

As you might be able to tell (or not) I am working on my photography skills and trying to use my DIY light box I posted about last time. Still need better lighting, but the photo editor helps slightly.

Oh, and I took the plunge after reading  a post from Jessica of We Sell On Ebay about the Pros and Cons of an ebay store. I had been thinking of opening one and was hesitant that I would be locked in to some agreement, or lose my listings or feedback if I decided to stop the store. Jessica was kind enough to answer my questions and I thought there was little drawback ($15.99) to trying a store for a month, so I took the plunge! Now VintageDreamsNE is not only an Etsy store but also and Ebay store. Thanks to my friends in the blogosphere and my readers, friends, and family for being so supportive of my new ventures!

Want a fun, new blog to follow? Canine Thespian! She too loves Pyrex and was just featured on the Pyrex Collective! She also makes crocheted animals which are adorable. I couldn't help but identify with her Pyrex love, her new blog, and I enjoyed her writing style. So, show some blog love, and give her a visit and a follow!!

Linking up with Her Library Adventures: Flea Market Finds...
and Apron Thrift Girl: Thrift Share Monday