I Said I Wasn't Shopping

The more I insist I don't need anything, the more determined the thrifting gods are to toss me great finds. When we made the trip to Grand Island to drop off Danny's fair entries, we called in at some of the shops along the way. In Grand Island, there are two Goodwills. One was a bust, but the other had fantastic baubles. I left thinking it was a very good day-little did I know what the universe had in mind.

On the way home, we stopped by the Mennonite thrift store in Seward. I filled another bag with baubles, shoes, and vintage clothing. Surely, it couldn't get better, could it?

Yep, it got better. The Salvation Army store in Lincoln was a treasure mine of vintage clothing, some of which I'll show later in the post. It was only 125 miles from home, but it might as well have been another country for all the great discoveries. If the jewellery and clothes in Omaha can seem picked over and slightly over-priced, it only takes a trip a couple hours west to remind me what a great place we live in for second-hand shopping.

This is one of the dresses I picked up at the Lincoln Salvation Army store. 1950's square dancing frock? Don't mind if I do! Or do si do.

  It can be worn off the shoulder as well. It was under five dollars, so absolutely money well spent.

Get yer tits out.

Outfit Particulars:
Vintage square dancing dress-Salvation Army, Lincoln
Shoes-Goodwill
Handbag-Goodwill
Rings, bakelite bangles, earrings, brooch-all thrifted various places

 This dress is a rare, purchased-new item from the sales at Lindy Bop. I'd been watching it and hoping it would go on sale. It is too large in the bodice but I love it so much I might spend the money on alterations.

 Fine, I'm afraid of birds, including waterfowl, but the print was still impossible to resist.

I would have no difficulty resisting this duck. *Shudder*

Outfit Particulars:

Dress-Lindy Bop

Vintage Naturalizer shoes-Thrift World

Nantucket Basket handbag-Antique mall

Rings-all over

Victorian bracelets-both thrifted

Belt-Goodwill

Necklace-Goodwill

 Our weather has been strange-autumn back to summer in the span of a few days, but I've slowly been bringing out the lighter weight clothing in autumn hues. This 60's maxi probably started life as a robe, but I won't tell anyone if you don't *wink*.

 I do love a good sleeve and this certainly satisfies that desire. I wouldn't want to wear this if I were a smoker. I don't know how we all survived the 70s without accidentally setting ourselves alight.

That massive bakelite stretch bracelet was something like $1.99 at goodwill. Looking at it in the case I was sure it was modern, but as soon as I picked it up, felt the weight of the thing and noticed the aging string, I knew I had Bakelite. I can't wear it long as it is seriously heavy. The wood and plastic medallion was something I picked up at a yard sale and then forgot about. I find long necklaces hard to wear but with just the right maxi dress they can work. I do like a long bit of wood. Ahem. 

Outfit Particulars:

1970s maxi dress-Antique mall

Vintage bucket bag-Hand Me Ups

Vintage white shopper tote-Goodwill

Vintage bakelite bracelet-Goodwill

Vintage necklace-Yard Sale

Shell earrings-World Market about 10 years ago

 This dress is 90's does 50's and I just adore it. There's a bit of tulle sewn into the bottom of the lining acting as a mock crinoline which gives it just enough shape to look retro and still be easily wearable (I drive a very small car that isn't a good match with puffy petticoats etc.).

 Finding turquoise jewellery that isn't set in silver with a Southwestern theme can be tricky in my part of the world, so I always grab bangles when available. The blue ones aren't bakelite but the look right at home with the others that are.

Outfit Particulars:

Dress-I can't remember! I bought it new.

Bolero-Goodwill

Earrings and necklace-both Thrift World

Brooch-recent trip to Grand Island Goodwill

Talbot's belt-Thrift World (that is one seriously well made leather belt!)

Vintage handbag-Goodwill (I think)

Shoes-Goodwill

Large brown bangle-Hand-Me-Ups

Blue bangles-Hand-Me-Ups

There's me, getting my leg out on the side of a highway. As you do.

 I have no idea if this piece is vintage or not as the label was missing. It feels a little too well made to be new, but I could be wrong. It only has a few buttons at the top and I assume is meant to be worn over a skirt or trousers. I stuck a tunic beneath it as well for the sake of modesty (it is very revealing) which also makes me think it is vintage. That much skin wouldn't have been shocking in the 70s (well, maybe on someone my age it would have been). No matter, I love it and plan to get plenty of wear from it.

Outfit Particulars:

Tunic and leggings-both Dots about 17 years ago! Not bad for fast fashion.

Shoes-Goodwill

Top/dress-ish thing-Goodwill

Necklace and matching earrings (bought on 2 different trips)-Goodwill

Brass evening bag-New Life Thrift

Fragrance-Probably 24 Faubourg which I have been wearing constantly day and night since finding a full bottle for $4.99 at Goodwill. This stuff is addictive. How I ignored it so long is beyond me, but it is definitely my fragrance of summer/autumn 2018. I wonder if I will like it as well in winter? Hard to believe the same nose was responsible for that reeking Celine Dion nightmare, but I guess everyone's entitled to one really big mistake in their life. Anyway, yeah-24 Faubourg is magical. 

This silk dress was another purchase from the Salvation Army store in Lincoln. I would guess it is late 90's/early 00's. The beaded 80's jacket was probably overkill for daytime wear but...well, you know me. 

I was a little worried I might catch the attention of the bees happily collecting pollen on the flowering melon vine but they left me alone. There's a risk in wearing yellow this time of year when there's less food around for the bees.

Outfit Particulars:
Dress-Salvation Army
Jacket-Goodwill
Vintage straw bag-Hand-Me-Ups
Bangles and rings-all over
Shoes-Goodwill
Necklace-K Mart
Earrings-yard sale

 After returning home, the Omaha thrift stores must have heard about my success in Lincoln, Seward, and Grand Island. Not wishing to be outdone, the local shops promptly presented me with a nice selection of inexpensive baubles.

This Victorian holloware brooch is missing a few leaves, but given the age and the practically free price, I couldn't resist buying it. I don't mind less than perfect pieces.

I will leave you with one more outfit from the trip to Lincoln.

That's some heavy, vintage polyester action!

Somewhere between Minne Mouse and a stewardess uniform.

Outfit Particulars:
1970's polyester dress-Salvation Army store, Lincoln
Vintage handbag-Goodwill
Vintage brooch-Etsy
Vintage shoes-yard sale
Rings, bangles, earrings-all thrifted various places

Today and tomorrow the annual Sarpy County Museum yard sale is going on to raise funds for the museum. I have a serious upper respiratory infection at the moment and will have to miss it this year (unless I make a miraculous recovery overnight which I'm not expecting). I'm bummed about it, but looking at this post I clearly don't need anything! I certainly don't ever need to purchase another piece of jewellery as long as I live. I'd also planned a trip to the orchard this weekend for apple picking but that's going to have to be delayed as well. I'm pretty stoic when it comes to cold, flu, etc. but this is really kicking my behind. Danny has a milder version of it (thank god) and so far (fingers crossed) Mr. ETB has escaped it.

I hope autumn/spring (depending where you are) is treating you well. Spare a thought for the people in the path of the hurricane if you can-it sounds horrible.