Thrift Tips for Teachers: Comfort is Key

I’m a teacher by day; I teach first grade. I have no time for cute heels or high-waisted pencil skirts that suck the air out of my lungs. There is no room for grinning and baring a little pain just to look good. I am not that person. When I am running around after 6 year olds, I choose to be comfortable. My school (thankfully) is very casual. Most of the time I could get away with wearing jeans and sneakers if I paired it with our school t-shirt/polo. So, I did. Especially in during the winter when it was 3 degrees outside. I literally gave up trying to look good.

This year, I decided to at least try. Now, I only wear my school t-shirt/polo on Fridays. I wear a little makeup. I cut all my hair off so that takes 30 minutes of styling time off of my morning routine. I pick my outfits out ahead of time. And, yes, I decided that I had to just buy clothing that made me feel comfortable. So on my last thrift trip, that was my focus: comfort. I’m talking elastic waists and roomy pieces that can be layered. I pretty much took my style ques from the Golden Girls. (don’t hate)

I came away with some really great solutions to common teacher wardrobe problems.

1. Its Either Too Hot or Too Cold: There is NEVER an instance when the thermostat can be adjusted to the perfect temperature in a school. The air conditioning is always set on Arctic Blast and the heat is always set on Hell. Oh, and don’t forget the days when its so cold that the heat just stops working. Or on the days when its 90 degrees outside and the A/C breaks. The life of a teacher is rife with avoidance of thermostat-related wardrobe malfunctions. The moral of the story? Always buy pieces that can be layered. Get dresses that can be worn over jeggings in the winter. Cop some sleeveless tops and dresses to be paired with cardigans and blazers. Long Maxi dresses that can be paired with cropped jackets are where its at.
2. Elastic is Your Friend: I don’t care what they say on What Not to Wear. Elastic is damn near a life saver when you’ve got to go from standing and teaching addition to crawling under a table after a kid who’s gone AWOL. I now attempt to make sure everything from my jeans to my dress pants have some sort of spandex in them.
3. Heels Are for the Birds: I like a good heel. I do. But, after spending 6 hours on your feet teaching, walking up and down the hallway during countless class bathroom breaks, or during your daily afternoon sprint to the bathroom, you just don’t feel like coming home and having to nurse blisters on top of already sore feet. I refuse. In a world of heels, flats are king.

Check out some recent comfortable additions scored while thrifting!

Vintage Maren elestic waist pants scored from Goodwill. New With Tags!

 

The Biggest Chop

Originally, I rejected the idea of the “big chop”. I rejected the idea for at least 6 years. I mean, WTF is a big chop, and why call it that? What a stupid name for something women have been doing forever. I’ve been natural a while, you know, no relaxer just wearing a weave or braided styles. I actually remember when I decided to start wearing my natural hair out between styles. People asked me things like, “what are you doing with your hair”, or “oh, you want to where your hair like that”. I would grow tired of the comments and braid the hair back up again. When I examined my natural hair, I found it fascinating. I didn’t understand why others didn’t see what I saw. I started internalizing what people said and subscribing to the idea that maybe I could only be considered pretty when I wore my hair in longer styles. Maybe my short, natural hair did make me look chubby. I was told, “You look better with longer hair”. I would get nasty looks from hair dressers. They would roll their eyes in exasperation at the amount of extra effort that would have to go into making a 4b/4c hair texture like mine look presentable. This happened in salons that claim to specialize in natural hair. The last straw was when I went to a braid shop in Towson this past spring. The braid technician, instead of just using the products that I provided to detangle my hair, somehow got it her mind that the use of a metal clip plus some extra elbow grease was enough to part my coarse hair. After 24 hours, my scalp was covered with scabs from where the metal clip had cut my skin and caused bleeding. That was the beginning of the end. I got braids one more time; for my wedding. The technician was awesome (didn’t cut my scalp with a metal clip and used the comb and products that I provided) and I loved my hair style, it was perfect for our destination wedding in St. Thomas.

 

Then I came back, took the braids out, and saw my natural hair. I didn’t like it. It was such a burden to have to twist it up every night and then take it out  and style in the morning to make it look presentable. I was so frustrated one morning that I stood in front of the mirror in my bathroom and literally chopped off the back of my hair with a pair of Scotch-brand teacher scissors. I immediately regretted that decision and followed up an urgent call to the hair salon for a haircut.

 

I told the receptionist that I wanted to chop all my hair off and start over; I needed a change. I just stopped caring what people thought. Lupita Nyong’o is a babe; so is Viola Davis. There are grown ass women making money and doing what they love . And their hair is natural and gorgeous AF. I said to myself, “Your hair is natural too. Just embrace the hair you were born with; you’ve always wanted to”.

Day 1 of Big Chop

Confidence has to come from within, it can’t be external. This is not a beauty blog, but I felt the need to segue a bit from my normal topics of thrifting and vintage as a form of catharsis. So I Big Chopped this week, and it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Big Chop light in the darkness…

How Old is Too Old For Cut Offs?

 

It’s hot out. There is nothing I love more than to put on some cut offs and a t-shirt for running errands. Recently, however, I was informed that as a woman now in her  early thirties, I may want to consider an alternative to the cut off. I was kind of flabbergasted. No, I’m not a supermodel, but I like to think I have a decent pair of stems. I definitely took the comment to heart. It reminded me of a thrift trip I took when I made the mistake of purchasing a pair of jeans without trying them on. They were the perfect shade of indigo denim but alas, I looked like I was awaiting the Great Flood. I have pretty long legs and a short stubby torso so, sadly, the jeans were…too short. I was convinced that I was going to have the perfect pair of trouser jeans for teaching…yeah, that didn’t work out. But instead of crying, I made some cut-offs that I love. I opted for a longer length, almost like a Bermuda short. I love them. Did I mention I love them? Even though everyone is into the high-waisted look right now (me included), I actually am pretty impressed with the classic fit.

DIY cut offs, Bermuda-style

I brought them with me on my trip to St. Thomas. I also brought my shortest booty short cut-offs (my mom calls them butt shiners) because I love them too. Do you have a favorite pair of diy cut-offs?

Butt-shiners (according to my mom), bottoms up!

See Spots Run

A few weeks ago while at Honfest, I visited Double Dutch Boutique’s tent. (I also went in the shop for the first time, it’s awesome!) I found a super cute  BB Dakota romper with sheer maxi overlay. It was blue and white with a slit up the front and had a summery, seersucker quality to it. I was in love. The price was marked at $15, which wasn’t bad at all.

BB Dakota romper with sheer maxi overlay, snagged for $10 (they discounted it because of the spot)

Sadly, someone had tried it on before me and got makeup on it. I was worried it wouldn’t come out so I put on my thinking cap (yes, I said thinking cap) and came up with a spot treatment plan: baking soda and vinegar. Now I use it to clean everything! My stove is spotless. My bathtub is glistening. Ok, ok,  back to the spot. I treated it first making sure the threads of the sheer fabric were completely covered in baking soda and then saturated completely with vinegar. (The fizzing was almost as satisfying as popping bubble wrap) After treating the spot a few times, I pulled out my handy dandy, all purpose Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap.

Check out their AWESOME label!

I use this soap for everything! (I have very sensitive skin plus eczema so regular soap is out of the question) Somehow, deep in the the dark depths of my brain I pulled up a memory from some chemistry class in which I learned that the only way to break of the bonds of an oil-based substance (i.e. makeup) is to use a detergent. So I smacked some soap on that sucker! And the rest was history! How do you spot treat and clean your thrift finds? Please share!

Keeper’s Vintage: #Thrifttrap, Realtalk

Beads, beads, beads! What would you do for beads? And those booties?

I went (off of a recommendation from Zakiya at Tightfisted Fashion) and checked out Keeper’s Vintage in Mt. Vernon. She said the shop had an awesomely curated collection of vintage items. She said the shop really knew how to utilize partnerships. She undersold it. I. Was. Not. Ready.

Keeper’s Vintage is the definition of what I call a thrifttrap. It is a tiny and beautiful alcove of fashionable, to-die-for vintage. I’m not talking, oh how quaint, I get to sift through a giant vat of old clothing to find one, maybe two cute pieces. I’m talking piece after piece of vintage awesomeness. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish it was your closet. Seriously.

I considered dropping $84 for this fringed beauty. Totally out of season, I know but for $84! I’m a sucker for some vintage leather. 

But let’s just rewind for a second. Why do you call it a thrifttrap, you ask? Thrifttrap sounds kinda negative, n’est pas? It’s not a thrift store, so why a thrifttrap?  A thrifttrap is a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because after you leave with your new purchases, you’ll look ten times more cool than when you entered. It’s a curse because the prices are so reasonable you will lose your mind spend all your money.

I had a chance to chat with Keeper’s Vintage owner Ericka about her shop and vintage styling ideas for the summer.

How did you get started in the vintage business?

I had been in retail for fifteen years and then got into teaching. As a hobby, my girlfriends and I got together and did yard sales. We started doing consignment at the Farmer’s Market and it became successful. Even as a teacher I found the retailing bug hadn’t left me. Eventually, we stopped consigning and I continued on with the business. I’ve been selling strictly vintage for the past three years. For me it represents using both the old and new to create looks but not break the bank. I like adding new pieces and mixing them with vintage.

Can you talk about your trunk show? 

I met great people while vending at the Farmer’s Market. The vendors being featured are all people that I’ve added to the store in some way. There will be five different vendors carried in the store; all women that I picked for their talent. This event is about showcasing these people who just happen to be all women of color who, like you and I, do this on the side. The trunk show gives them an opportunity to interact with customers. (Sadly, the trunk show was this past Saturday. I dropped by and got to see vendors for myself. Imagine a popup shop mashup of local artisans featuring everything from custom made bags to handmade, all-natural soap.–I know, I know I’m posting after the fact. But stay tuned, I’m sure there will be more to come!)

What trend are you most excited about exploring with vintage this season?

I buy based on my own sense of style, not really based on trends. I look at how the piece is relevant, how it relates to fashion; even if it’s a wacky print or a modern silhouette. I really like 60’s mod dresses and the 70’s-style high-waisted bell-bottom jeans with tees; you know, the Summer of the 70’s look.

Final verdict: Keeper’s Vintage will make you want to do just that; keep everything in the store. Check out them on Instagram here!

The Golden Rules of Thrifting

The Purge

Last week in a desperate attempt to do some spring cleaning (recently inspired by Spark Joy, the illustrated master class on organizing by Marie Kondo, author of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up) I discarded what amounted to a 16 gallon trash bag of clothing to donate. I felt like the clutter was taking on a persona that was seeping toxicity into my soul. Needless to say I shut that down the quickness. And I returned to some golden rules that always help me remained centered.

The Purge pile

Rule #1: One in One Out

If I buy something new, something in my closet has to go. I decide how I discard of each item; some items I sell and some I just donate. I decided to donate my really comfortable brown ankle boots in exchange for these black, faux suede knee-high beauties originally priced at $139. I got em for 12 bucks. #winning

Audrey Brooke boots: $12 (new)

Rule #2: Match What you Have Before you Buy Something New

Historically, I’ve had the problem of buying awesome pieces that I don’t need. Like when I snagged this cutely cropped fur jacket in a Parisian flea market. I live in Baltimore for goodness sake! It is never just warm or cool enough to pull off a cropped fur. I have no idea what I was thinking. But this thing is cute as hell, and handy when I wanna channel my inner #Beyonce.

Fur Jacket: 20 euros

Now, what I do is take an inventory of every piece I own. Then I write down where there are holes. If I need a navy skirt to match a particular shirt, I write it down. If I know a certain blouse will only look good with a black bottom, I make a note of it. Once I’ve compiled a pretty extensive list of needs, I head to the store with an idea of what I should buy. This way, I don’t waste money or space in the closet.

Rule #3: One Exception Allowed (unique-one of a kind pieces)
Sometimes, you get to the thrift store and you lose your mind because you see a vintage 1950’s style taffeta ball gown (this never ever happened to me, I promise) for $25 and you must purchase it. Allow yourself one exception. That way you can pick up that awesome, unique, one-of-a-kind piece and not want to kill yourself later. Plus, with one in one out, you won’t run out of space in your closet and your fiance won’t scream at you because you’re now taking up his closet space (this never ever happened to me, I promise).

Gold skirt: $2.99

$20 Tuesdays:#itsfestivalseason (long vest don’t care)

Hey, hey, hey!!! It’s Tuesday, and a little late. Buuuuut, I do have an outfit to share with you thrifty thrifties! It was under $20 and perfectly embodies a new trend I’ve been seeing out and about: the long vest. I posted it on #instagram a few days ago and decided to use it as proof that you can get festival-ready for under 20 bucks. No need to break the bank!

Here’s a better shot of the complete outfit. It got a bit cut off in the screen shot. Featured in the pic: #vintage sleeveless shift (worn as a vest), cutoffs, #vintage costume necklaces, and Zara lace up heels. Imagine a cute bikini top  and straw fedora to complete the look! I love the short and long contrast! Wanna see more? Check me on instagram: @theoriginalcharmcitythrift

 

$20 Tuesdays: Spring Shorts n Gucci

Here we go again, folks! This week I’m featuring a collegiate-style outfit. And yes, it was under $20! Who says you can only wear shorts in summer?

Martin + Osa collared button down: $3

Gap Wool Shorts: $6

Joan & David Loafers: $5

I threw in a lil’ vintage Gucci to add somethin’ extra to the mix! Pop on a blazer or a pull over sweater and you’ll be ready to face the moderately cold/insanely hot B’more springtime weather! (Mid-Atlantic Spring = Mother Nature can’t make up her mind)

#charmcitythrift

The Early Bird Gets….Everything

This past Tuesday I headed over to Tightfisted Fashion for their $50 Fill Up Event (every 2nd Tuesday of the month).  I was early(ish). You may also know from a previous post that this is my Treat Yo Self week. Oh the glories my eyes beheld! This small shop packs a big punch;  definitely a spot for unique finds that are one of a kind.

I also checked out the Women’s Clothing Exchange of Baltimore this past Thursday (they invited me to come shop early!). For the next  5 days the WCEB will inhabit the 10,000 square foot Tall Cedars Lodge in Parkville. Imagine, racks on racks of discounted goodies. I even saw a whole rack of coach leather goods. A. Whole. Rack. I snapped a pic of a cute Jimmy Choo bag but that definitely wasn’t the only high end name. They sported a beautiful Louis Vuitton satchel as well. Check it, my budget was only $50 for the entire week so I definitely wasn’t going to drop $275 for LV. (Yes, real LV, only $275!) This year, the sale features men’s items–I even saw one guy buying fancy work ties and a Polo collared shirt!

What have I done to deserve all this thrift pampering, you ask? Not a thing! But I got some awesome gold earrings that’ll look pretty fab with my summer wardrobe. I also nabbed some sporty chic shorts, a cool denim shirt dress, a nice summer work dress, and a strange sleeveless shift dress that I think I’m going to use to attempt the “long vest look” that’s becoming so popular. I can’t wait to style my finds. Check back for pictures on my next $20 Tuesday post! #thriftstylin #thriftfind #thriftonfleek #thriftbinge

#charmcitythrift

Thrift Local: Tightfisted Fashion

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This past Tuesday I headed over to Tightfisted Fashion for their $50 Fill Up Event (every 2nd Tuesday of the month) and spoke with owner Zakiya about her shop and the future of thrifting in Baltimore. 

How did you get started in this business; being a consignor?

I was living overseas and when I came back [to the states] I found myself jobless and in need of income so I sold my possessions for money. It was a great way to update my wardrobe and you know, be an adult. Eventually, I started my blog and was able to market myself online as an expert in the field. I made it a business, I offered classes and workshops and it just grew. I eventually had a launch and invited my friends and supporters. I did a lot of vending but I found that I really wanted to give people a set space to get involved in the thrifting culture. I opened the store and had a grand pre-opening to gauge the interest. I also allowed other vendors to do popups in my store. It was a start, and it was mine.  

Who shops at your store?

Young professionals, individuals with a unique style. I feel like I fit into that mold. People call me fashionable, I don’t think I’m fashionable, but I do like fashion. I try to find pieces that are unique but not too over the top. If you’re looking for something to stand out in and maybe  you work in an environment where you may have to maintain a certain image; its great to come in  and get a piece to really make an outfit pop or add some kick. 

Can you speak a little about the thrifting and consignment industry in Baltimore? 

Its ironic that people haven’t caught on to it considering the amount of people in the community who have grown up shopping at thrift stores. It has been hard, I think the instinct is for people to always donate. [Which Tightfisted does !!!] Also, a lot of people are skeptical of the consignment process, like you’re playing a trick on them. What they don’t realize is that the money we get helps support local business and develop the [thrifting] culture. 

I know you’re a big supporter of black business and you host Black Business Saturdays. Can you speak to that a bit?

Well, I started the Black Business Saturdays in response to an article I read that said black women are starting businesses at 6 times the national average. The article also said that small business makes  up 40% of the workforce. Many times, these businesses only have the ability to employ one or two people. If each business had the capacity to add just one more employee, that would add that many more jobs to the economy. Black Business Saturdays is an opportunity for local businesses to come together and pool resources to possibly employ someone. People (predominantly black businesses in particular) were looking for opportunities to collaborate with other people, make connections and gain opportunities to do more business , you know, start a co-op or even a collective. Its a chance for people to think beyond their business and increase the circulation of black dollars in black communities.

Who are you’re personal go-to’s in the area?

I like Keepers Vintage they have nicely curated pieces. I really like 2 Chic Boutique its great for more professional, suited wear. Some other vendors that I frequent are Bartered Threads  (actually in D.C); and Revolution Vintage. 

A huge thank you goes out to Tightfisted Fashion! I met Zakiya and it was like I was meeting my long lost cousin or a best friend that I hadn’t seen in a while. She’s an old soul. Her shop is awesome. Check them out at 2114 North Charles Street. They even have an online shop!

 

Bottom line, support the economy. Thrift local. #charmcitythrift #thriftlocal