the thrifting olympics

I love the Olympics even though I am not particularly athletic-- growing up I was the hiking-running-dance-horseback riding girl and was probably less than average in each, so I never had a real dream of competing in the Olympics.

Well the real Olympics, that is.

I'd like to think that I'd do pretty well in another type of Olympics, with events like coffee drinking, twitter refreshing, alarm snoozing and thrifting. I'd like to think my latest thrift would have brought home the gold. If I was competing or anything. You know.

But it was honestly one of those days when (almost) everything fit and it was just win after win and I almost hugged the lady at the register in sheer glee. Not all days are thrifting gold; some days I don't get anything good, which is why when Olympics-worthy trips come along, it's worthy of a lengthy post in praise of the haul.

so bear with me as I boast.

why it's amazing: polka dots and stripes and it's Ann Taylor (from like 20 years ago)
cost: $4.99

why it's amazing: pleated mid-length skirts are my new thing (see me wear it here)

cost: $3.99

why it's amazing: so good over a swimsuit or with a knit maxi skirt

cost: $4.99

*not pictured: a white blazer and a pair of floral shorts that were 99 cents... and in need of a major refashion, (which may or may not work.)*

have you found anything good lately on the cheap?

xo, erika

p.s. link up your online (and real life) favorites tomorrow for friday finds and favorites!

my thrifting lucky charm

 top: Anthropologie similar // belt: thrifted // skirt: thrifted similar // shoes: Steve Madden similar

As I explained previously, I grew up thrifting and hitting vintage and second-hand stores is in my blood passed down from generation to generation my mom.

The husband on the other hand isn't too much of a thrifter. Not really because he's against it (although he does rant against the amount of hipsters in Seattle every so often), but it's shopping. And it's his least favorite: shopping that doesn't always have a clear purpose.

When you thrift you have to comb the store, aisle to aisle, shelf to shelf and you have to go back repeatedly. Thrifting isn't the in-and-out, quick-and-dirty kind of shopping excursion that the husband likes, which is why when he agreed to go with me last Friday after our little happy hour date, I was surprised and thrilled.

But, I mean, how could he not go when the bar was across the street from Goodwill.

Destiny, I tell you.

Destiny and fate because I found this perfect little chiffon polka dotted skirt. There was a tiny rip at the waist band-- easy fix-- and it was only $4. Score. (I also found a mint trench coat for $12. That baby will debut another day.)

Perhaps the husband is my lucky charm for thrifting.

And that means he should go more often with me. What do you think? ;)

xo, erika

p.s. don't forget about the first every friday finds + favorites link-up tomorrow! come share whatcha like on the internet and in real life!

p.p.s I'm also linking up here-->

antique stores: not just for grandma anymore

Do you know what I love?

I love that it's cool to go thrift and antique shopping.

But do you know what I hate?

I hate that's it's cool to go thrift and antique shopping because it means that there's more competition for the good stuff.

A few weekends ago I was in Bellingham (last big town before the Canadian border) for my brother's graduation and my mom and I convinced the guys to stop at this three-story antique store.

Once they got in there they were just as engrossed as we were. This place was incredible and had nearly anything and everything you could think of to vintage appliances, old soda bottles, my favorite blue ball mason jars and antique quilts (swoon). Best part of it all? Most of it was pretty reasonable and honestly the best prices I've seen for blue mason jars. (Oh shoot now I'm sounding like someone on Antique Roadshow or somethin'... )

But don't let me tell you anymore about it. Let me show you. (A picture is worth a thousand words right? So enjoy my few-thousand word essay.)

maybe waking up would be easier with this little retro clock. (and i love the basket.)

hello cheerful '60s mugs. You would all brighten up my kitchen so well.

memorabilia from the 1960 World's Fair in Seattle. My friend's grandma met Elvis there. :)

turquoise mason jars are my calling. (and obsession. Sorry husband, but yes we do need more.)

enough vintage doilies for ya?

the only thing not for sale: a vintage funhouse mirror. (isn't my mom cute?)

Are there any fun vintage/thrift/antique stores near you? Can I come visit them with you?

Happy Thursday!!

p.s. tomorrow share what good things that you are thankful for this week with Five Things Friday. :)