The Outfit Repeater

Category: Other

  • Spilling All My Secrets on Styling a Local Play

    Behind The Scenes: Styling a Play

    I have shared a bit about styling my second play with the Monroe Theatre Guild this spring. The difference this time is that I am doing it solo!

    For my first play last fall, I collaborated with a lead costumer, and we worked together to bring the costumes to life for the actors.

    This time around for “Making Sweet Tea and Other Secrets,” I am on my own to source, style, and get everybody dressed. My collaborators, if you will, are the actors (making sure they feel comfortable in their outfits) and the director (am I accurately bringing her vision to life, too?).

    It’s been a great challenge. Even the frustration of not thrifting the piece that I envision for a character has its silver linings.

    This post is going to dive a little deeper into the process I’ve gone through to style the play from start to finish. Hopefully, you can take away some advice that can be applied to your own personal style or thrifting journey!

    Where I Sourced Costumes: Closets, Chain Stores, and The Community

    My inspiration started after reading the script, as I created mood boards of how I envisioned each of the characters.

    As soon as I was able, I dug into the costume closet to find pieces. I was disappointed by the lack of contemporary styles I was finding (especially since our lead is a teenager!) and knew this would mean a lot of thrifting in my future.

    Overall, I went to 17 individual thrift stores, some multiple times, all in the pursuit of costumes! (Though I may have picked up a Billy Joel cassette tape for myself along the way.)

    The biggest challenge, and the reason it took so many stores, is that most of the stores are only stocking winter clothes right now and this play takes place down south in the summer. I hit pay dirt when I visited the larger chains like Goodwill because they stock seasonal clothing all year round!

    A few pieces were ordered from Amazon, some were borrowed from the actors, and at the last minute, a dress was sourced by asking my friends what they had in their closets.

    How I Put Together Costumes: Try-ons, Timing, and Tiny Alterations 

    I had approximately two months to get everything together, do try-ons, and put together the final looks. Try-ons with each actor were scarce, so when an outfit didn’t work, I had to get creative to find a workaround or another piece while I waited for another chance to fit with them.

    Even though this required huge patience, it was one of my favorite parts of styling. I love the gratification that comes with choosing a piece (going off a list of measurements!) and having it fit exactly how I imagined it would.

    There’s also the part of my brain that’s worked in retail for so long that is focused on pleasing the customer. So when an outfit was right, I felt like I did a good job!

    And since I’m a very novice sewer, I made sure to pick pieces that only needed minor alterations. Overall, I only fixed two pairs of pants, ironed on a couple of patches, and deconstructed a couple of shirts.

    Final Thoughts 

    We’re currently in our final week leading up to the performances on March 6-8 and March 13-15, so I only have a little to say about what it’s like watching everyone in character with their costumes on (finally!).

    It is rewarding to see all the hard work pay off, both from a costume perspective that helps the actors get into character, as well as the literal work that the actors have gone through to memorize their lines, hit their marks, and endure the heavy emotional weight of this particular production.

    a stage is set to look like the front of a home. a group of actors stands around practicing a scene.

    I am anticipating seeing it come together and hope the story reaches the right audience, starts a conversation, and changes some hearts. It’s an important story to tell, and I’m honored I got to help bring it to life.

    If you’re near the Monroe, Wisconsin area, you can visit the Monroe Theatre Guild website for more information and to buy your tickets for the show. Thank you for supporting the local arts!

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

  • Why Do We Wear Pink in October?

    Why We Wear Pink in October

    Why do people wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Because it’s way cuter than a hospital gown!

    This October, we’re celebrating one year of my 74-year-old mom living through Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    It’s been a rollercoaster of treatments, appointments, scans, and therapies; but we made it!

    It also opened the conversation for our family to discuss cancer and do genetic testing.

    Our results have been very surprising.

    You might be familiar with the BRCA gene as the bad guy behind breast cancer, but did you know there are others that you should look out for?

    Rare Gene Mutations Leading to Breast Cancer

    My mom, sister, and I had a full panel work-up that revealed a rare mutation of the CDH1 gene.

    This gene mutation puts us at a 33-42% higher risk for stomach cancer and a 27-52% higher risk of breast cancer than the general population.

    Both cancers have heavily affected my maternal family, so finding that gene mutation made total sense.

    My Journey To Getting Tested For Cancer in My 30’s

    As a disabled person with stomach issues unrelated to cancer, this sent red flags to my team of doctors.

    During the spring, while I was recovering from bunion surgery, I was also doing Zoom calls to navigate my next steps with preventative scans and finding specialists to help me continue to monitor the possible development of these cancers.

    Needless to say, it’s been a crazy year!

    So far, my testing has come back clear, which is great. I know I’ll have a lot ahead of me, though.

    How To Save Your Own Life

    My biggest takeaway is to do genetic testing and be proactive about getting your yearly mammograms, etc. Pay attention to your bodies, take care of yourselves, and advocate for your needs in a medical setting.

    As many have said, including my mom, a 30-minute scan once a year (or spitting in a tube for genetic testing!) is easier than going through cancer. You could literally be saving your own life!

     

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • What Fashion Bloggers Can Do To Fight Back Against AI

    This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

    Real Fashion Blogs vs Artificial Intelligence

    In the beginning, there were fashion blogs, and they were good.

    Then a big boom happened, and everyone jumped on Blogspot. Posts became sponsored, and everyone was sharing their lives online.

    Just when things got good, influencers popped up, and bloggers stopped renewing their hosting, they jumped on social media or retired from the internet altogether. (The book “Extremely Online” tells this story so much better than me.)

    Most recently, a new wave of young people discovered our old fashion blogs and Tumblrs, and with nostalgia in their eyes, they have reignited the blogosphere with their own websites and Substacks.

    But if bloggers are the good guys in this story, there has to be a bad guy, and that’s AI, or artificial intelligence.

    AI has already taken over many jobs and industries; is fashion blogging next? Let’s explore this topic together!

    What Is AI And How Could It Ruin Fashion Blogs?

    When you hear the term “AI,” you likely picture ChatGPT or images of humans with extra features.

    AI stands for Artificial Intelligence and refers to any computer system that can perform tasks usually accomplished by humans.

    This technology has been amazing in many fields, speeding up processes and helping with very complicated assignments.

    Despite the good that it does, it also has many downsides, including huge environmental impacts, increasing our reliance on technology, and taking jobs away from humans, obvs.

    As a decades-old fashion blogger, I have very mixed feelings about this emerging technology at our fingertips. (Note: AI, as we know it, was actually born in the 1950s, but it’s becoming a bigger buzzword because of the plethora of new products aimed at the everyday consumer.)

    In the past, I’ve demonstrated in numerous blog posts the capabilities AI has to create outfits for me. Let’s just say I don’t think AI will be becoming my personal stylist anytime soon.

    But now I’m posing the question of whether AI has the power to wipe out fashion bloggers altogether. We already see plenty of websites with nothing but AI-generated posts full of word soup. So, are fashion bloggers next, right after it’s about to enter its Renaissance?

    What Can Fashion Bloggers Do Take Back The Internet?

    But fear not, we’ve been through challenges before, and we can continue to pivot and come up with new solutions for blogging in the AI era.

    While traditional SEO (search engine optimization) has become nearly obsolete, we still have some tools at our disposal to drive traffic to our pages and build a successful brand. One that comes to mind is SGE (search generative experience), which offers a more dynamic, personalized, and engaging user experience.

    That means we can override those unreliable and uncredited answers you get from an AI search bot and provide you with a human point of view, complete with thoughtful responses and personal stories. Blogging is becoming more about problem-solving and not just ranking for keywords. It’s the best time ever to be a writer and connect with others!

    Main Takeaways For Fashion Bloggers

    While I believe fashion blogging is going to take a hit, I also think a new batch of writers is about to emerge with even more creative ideas.

    Personalization is the name of the game, and fashionistas have plenty of that to go around!

    We need to stay focused on the communities we’ve built and the real connections we’ve cultivated over the years.

    Your readers visit your page for YOU, so keep showing up and being your authentic self!

    The day that AI can style my outfits, edit my photos, write my blog posts, and engage with my audience is a pipe dream.

    I will always be here, showing up as myself and eager to chat with all of you about all things thrifting, vintage, and personal style.

    I’d love to hear your thoughts about all of this. Let’s a start a conversation in the comments, ok? 🙂

    this is a partially obscured image of a white woman in a striped t-shirt using a laptop. it's a silver laptop with many stickers all over.

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • Let’s Talk About The ‘Freewill Fashion’ Theory

    [su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

    This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

    [/su_note]

    What Is The Freewill Fashion Theory?

    Get ready to hear the term “freewill fashion” for at least the next four years.

    Freewill fashion is a term I coined that highlights a concept that has been around forever.

    The loose definition of freewill fashion is choosing to wear whatever you want, whether that means getting dressed as an act of defiance, in protest, as self-care, in celebration of daily life, or for whatever you want to stand for that day.

    What Does The Freewill Fashion Theory Look Like?

    While freewill fashion is for everyone, it’s also not.

    Because of “times like these” and the place or body you might be born into, freewill fashion is harder to achieve.

    While one person can choose to wear head-to-toe animal print, another might have to settle for a colorful hair scrunchie to follow certain rules, regulations, and standards.

    Hannah is a white female, standing in front of a blue background with white clouds painted on it. She's wearing a pink and purple sequin cape and flipping through a rack of all pink clothing.

    At its core, I want us all to embrace having freewill when it comes to fashion and getting dressed.

    It goes hand in hand with the old adage that you shouldn’t save your best clothes for a special occasion.

    Today is that special occasion!

    Wear the thing you’ve been saving, wear your good vintage to the grocery store, style yourself like a freakin’ rainbow!

    Tips For How To Wear Freewill Fashion

    Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, every day you get to wake up and choose a character from your closet.

    a pink carpet with colorful striped shirts and a rainbow striped purse laying on top

    A maximalist might use freewill fashion to “dress down” a ball gown with a t-shirt, jeans, and old beat-up sneakers. Their imaginations run wilder than the average person’s, and freewill fashion comes a little easier to them.

    A great case of someone going against the grain is Sara Camposarcone, aka @saracamposarcone on the internet. She’s basically freewill fashion in human form!

    A minimalist might choose a sweater with princess sleeves, a pair of dark palazzo pants, and pointy-toed flats with a hint of shimmer. Well-made basics, but still a little fun and a great use of freewill.

    I love looking at someone like Rachel of @inspirsession or Valerie of @vallerinagirl as models of how this looks in real life. Their styles are impeccable and never boring!

    Of course, style is subjective. If you feel like you don’t fit into either of those narratives but still consciously choose the most fab outfit from your closet every day, then you’re doing it right!

    Here are some examples from my own closet where I really felt like this look was created just for me.

    In Clothes-ing

    In times like these, the rules are going right out the window, so why keep trying to follow them?

    Let go of expectations set by others and take chances, make mistakes, get messy… or whatever Miss Frizzle taught us millennials on The Magic School Bus.

    Give freewill fashion a try, you just might like it!

    [sibwp_form id=2]

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • My Etsy Shop is Back & Weirder Than Ever

    [su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

    This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

    [/su_note]

    My Return To Etsy

    After shutting down my Etsy shop years ago, I’m reopening it to sell my handmade one-of-a-kind, upcycled accessories constructed from thrift store trinkets and broken vintage jewelry.

    This time, I’ve lowered my expectations, given myself zero sales goals, and am just having fun creating, sharing, and connecting with fellow creative weirdos and kiddults!

    Why Am I Back on Etsy Now?

    I’ve been feeling a huge creative pull in my life for the past couple of years, and the timing worked out with some other work projects ending.

    So, many months ago, I started putting plans in place, stocking up on random craft supplies, and began creating my signature charm necklaces, Barbie shoe earrings, and other fun accessories I’ve been dreaming up.

    I still don’t particularly have an itch to become a reseller or do sales of any type, really, but I’m willing to give it another shot on Etsy to release some creative energy and maybe make some passive income while I continue managing my invisible illness.

    What Am I Selling on Etsy?

    My new Etsy page, Shop Made In The Past, offers one-of-a-kind upcycled accessories, digital downloads, original apparel designs, and a curated selection of rad vintage finds!

    Jewelry is really my bread and butter, since I’ve been creating my own unique pieces since I was a teenager, but now I’m excited to extend my offerings into other artsy designs that everyone can enjoy.

    As far as the selection of secondhand finds, so far I’m just selling items from my own collection. You’d be surprised by all the cool ’80s and ’90s items I’ve saved up over the years that I’m willing to let go now! If those sales go well, maybe I’ll start picking up items with the specific purpose to resell.

    Old Finds, New Fun

    Like I said, I am just taking things slow, having fun, and taking it all in as a big learning experience. I would love to hear your thoughts on the current products and what you’d like to see in the future.

    I appreciate all forms of support for Shop Made In The Past. Follow it on Instagram, give it a like on Etsy, or Pin this post to reference to later! Thank you!!

    [sibwp_form id=2]

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • Could You Style Me Better? Let’s Put the Whering App to the Test!

    Virtual Styling With The Whering App: A Closet Experiment 

    Show me a millennial who never wanted a Clueless closet, and I’ll show you a liar. We’re living in future times where being able to digitize your closet is a reality!

    There are actually many apps that can make this happen – I’ve even reviewed lots of them on this blog in the past – but one stands out for me because of its ability to build a community of like-minded fashionistas. It’s called the Whering app.

    What Is The Whering App?

    Whering is a phone app that allows you to digitize your wardrobe so you can see everything you own in one place.

    It’s a powerful tool for helping people discover, rediscover, or refine their personal style to avoid chasing trends, reducing consumption in the process. It’s a slow fashion consumer’s BFF!

    It makes circular fashion solutions accessible via an app on your phone!

    Who The Whering App Is For

    A few months ago, I uploaded my entire closet (save for a handful of accessories) and immediately started playing dress-up like never before. But the best part of Whering is that other app users can also style the clothes in your closet.

    I was elated to flex my creative muscles and style others, and to my surprise, a couple of people wanted to style me!

    In this blog post, I’m going to try on the outfits that strangers on the internet dreamed up for me and do a deep dive into their chosen outfits. Let’s get started!

    Whering Outfit Styled By Kate of ReadWriteThrift

    Whering offers suggestions for people to follow, and I was excited to find Kate of ReadWriteThrift, a fellow style blogger and slow fashion consumer. She’s a regular on my TikTok FYP!

    Her closet is very different from my own, which I think is the beauty of the app: getting to peek inside the closets of other fashionistas and imagine new ways of styling their clothes.

    I created an outfit for Kate, and in return, she styled one for me. She was able to take multiple brightly colored items from my closet and put them together in a way I hadn’t thought of before!

    I normally reserve this heart printed sweater for Valentine’s Day and she was able to pair it with a striped button down, baby blue palazzo pants, and yellow flats to make it an outfit friendly for any cold weather day. I love it!

    Whering Outfit Styled By Lindsey of Dried Juniper

    The other closet I was introduced to was Lindsey’s from Dried Juniper, a Midwest thrifter and reseller. She was unfamiliar to me before this app brought us together, but her closet was intriguing as she wore simple, quality basics with whimsical colors and patterns.

    Again, I styled an outfit for her, and she styled one for me in return. I think this outfit perfectly reflects both of our interests! She matched a striped t-shirt from my wardrobe with a pair of pink overalls, a classic white cropped cardigan, and green ballet flats that tie into the colors of the t-shirt.

    What a true style collaboration!

    In Review

    This app has already been on my phone (and tablet!) for a couple of months and is proving to stand the test of time. From the organizational options, fun and friendly user interface, and of course, the community aspect, I am having a lot of fun styling myself, styling others, and letting their AI feature work its magic.

    There’s still so much to explore on this app, and I don’t think I’ve even touched the tip of the iceberg in this blog post. (Lookbooks, packing features for trips, etc. This app does it all!)

    I highly encourage you to check out the Whering app, download it, and try your hand at styling outfits in my closet! If there’s enough interest, I’d love to do a follow-up to this post and share more outfits created by The Outfit Repeater readers!

    [su_button url=”https://app.whering.co.uk/profile/theoutfitrepeater” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f20089″ color=”#ffffff” size=”7″ center=”yes” radius=”10″ icon_color=”#8790f0″ text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #000000″ rel=”nofollow”]STYLE AN OUTFIT FROM MY CLOSET[/su_button]

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • A Year in Fashion: My 2024 Style Goals and What’s Next for 2025

    New Year, New Style Goals

    ‘Tis the season for list-making, huh?

    First, we wrote out a wishlist of toys for Santa, and now we’re expected to come up with New Year’s resolutions.

    I take a slightly different approach to New Year’s resolutions and instead choose to focus on creating style goals for the upcoming year.

    This is a “tradition” I started on my blog a few years ago, and it has continued to gain in popularity. Check out my 2023 style goals blog post by clicking here!

    To sum up what it means to create style goals: it’s an outline of trends I want to try, shopping habits I want to implement, or even a cleaning strategy I want to start in my closet.

    Basically, anything related to fashion!

    So let’s look back at what my style goals were for 2024 and what I’ll be changing in 2025!

    2024 Style Goals: How Did I Do?

    I kept my 2024 style goals simple with a list of only four items. But despite a short list, I was still only able to accomplish one of the goals on it!

    a pile of pink clothes

    ➡️ Buy Colored Jeans

    This might seem like a simple feat, but my preferred method of shopping is at thrift stores, so you have to be open to what the thrift gods send your way.

    I did try on a few pairs of creative jeans, but none were quite the right fit for my body or wardrobe. I’ll probably keep this as a rolling goal, as it would still be great to add some to my closet!

    ➡️ Be More Creative With My Scarf Collection

    Accessorizing with scarves didn’t really work out for me. I added a few here and there to my outfits, but nowhere near the amount that I used to in my early fashion blogging days. Again, I will continue to carry this goal into the future.

    a close-up of different vintage scarf patterns

    ➡️ DIY More Stuff

    Customizing my clothes was a HUGE success! I made a few changes to my crafting space, which made starting projects much easier for me. As a result, I crafted a whole line of jewelry, painted a jacket, and have many more designs lined up shortly.

    ➡️ Grow My Hat Collection

    My hat collection remains exactly the same! I’m okay with this because the hats I currently own get a lot of wear. I’ll keep an eye out for more hats while thrifting, but I learned that I’m content with my current collection.

    2025 Style Goals: What Will I Do?

    To be honest, I wasn’t sure what kind of style goals to set for 2025. Because of this, I didn’t feel the need to “add” anything to my closet in the way of shopping, but instead resolved to get more creative with what I have. Can you relate to that sort of goal?

    a yellow smiley face mug with a bunch of vintage scarves coming out of it's head like hair

    ➡️ Try a New-To-Me Style Subculture

    It seems like there’s a new style subculture every day. While I don’t feel it’s important to keep up with trends, I also don’t see any harm in finding new ways to style what I already have and continue to evolve my personal style. Is there a subculture I should consider? Leave your suggestions in the comments!

    ➡️ Collaborate on Style Projects

    Collaborations with other online fashionistas are something I’ve put on the back burner for many years. But with my 10th blogiversary happening in 2025, I’d like to get back to my fashion blogging roots and connect with other creators to showcase our expertise and talents.

    ➡️ Mix Patterns More Frequently

    Another throwback from my original blogging days? Pattern mixing! I’ve gotten much more into color play in recent years but want to try my hand at pattern mixing again. Maybe my scarf goal will come in handy for this one?

    a pink striped tee, pink scarf, giant flower, surrounded by vintage fashion magazines

    ➡️ Host Another Local Clothing Swap

    If you’re a local reader or an avid follower of my social media pages, you’ve probably seen me promote a couple of clothing swaps this past year. With the help of a friend, we put together two inclusive clothing swaps for our community, where we all came together with our unwanted clothes and exchanged them with one another. Both times, we donated the leftovers to a great thrift store in our area that helps a lot of people.

    The clothing swaps continue to get bigger and better each time, and I’m hoping to host at least one or two more this year, energy permitting.

    In Clothes-ing

    I hope this post encourages you to consider some style goals to take you into the new year. Even if it’s just a small action, like documenting your outfits every day, it all adds up in the long run and can help you feel more connected to your clothes and discover your personal style.

    Be sure to follow along here or on my social media pages (linked below) to keep up with my style goals throughout the year. I’d love the accountability!

    [sibwp_form id=2]

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • The Ultimate Thrifted Gift Guide

    Thrifting For The Haul-idays

    The holiday shopping season is here!

    For those looking for a unique experience on a budget, thrifting offers the perfect solution with a vast selection to choose from.

    In this ultimate thrifted gift guide, I’m going to share with you why it’s important to thrift gifts, some amazing gift ideas for everybody on your list, and tips for getting it all done even at the last minute.

    If you’re ready to thrift some special gifts for everyone in your life, then read on!

    Why You Should Thrift Gifts

    Shopping secondhand for gifts is more than just buying presents at a low price—it’s a small step toward sustainability. It helps counteract the waste and consumerism often associated with the holiday season.

    Did you know that up to 17.8% of holiday gifts are returned after Christmas, with many of them destroyed because it’s cheaper for retailers than reselling? By choosing secondhand, we can disrupt this cycle and make a positive impact.

    Encouragingly, nearly 50% of shoppers are open to giving secondhand gifts, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. This growing movement is a hopeful sign, and I look forward to seeing it grow in the years to come!

    [irp posts=”16624″ ]

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Family Members

    As with all gifts, it’s important to be thoughtful and consider the receiver and what they’d love to get from you.

    When it comes to family, I think sentimental and practical gifts are best, and thrift stores are great for that.

    Some gifts to consider are: picture frames (with a printed picture of you together!), artwork, or one-of-a-kind mugs.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Friends

    Nobody is more fun to shop for than your friends! The sky is the limit on what you can find as a secondhand gift.

    Look out for funny t-shirts, board games to play together, and items to add to their collections.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Everyone Else

    We all have people on our list, like co-workers or acquaintances, that we’re not quite sure what to get. Play it safe with simple accessories, a good book, or, if all else fails, a thrift store gift card.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for The People Who Have Everything

    For the person who has it all, is there anything better than a novelty gift? Look around the thrift store for new-in-box items that you won’t find anywhere else.

    Finger golf, funny awards, and odd bathroom items are some great options!

    Tips for Thrifting Gifts

    • When thinking of gift ideas, grab a pen and paper to make a fun word map about the person you’re gifting. Write down what they like, their hobbies, favorite colors, and any special quirks. Look for links between these ideas to spark cool, unique gift ideas. For example, if they love coffee and vintage stuff, think about a thrifted retro coffee set or a special mug with gourmet coffee beans.
    • Notice the little things people say, like a book they want to read, a favorite movie, or something they’ve been looking for. Use your phone or a notebook to write down these ideas when they pop up. This way, you’ll have a handy list when it’s time to shop for gifts!
    • Don’t put all the pressure on yourself to buy gifts in December! Make thrift shopping for gifts a year-long habit. You’ll not only spread out the cost but also have time to find meaningful, good-quality items. When you shop ahead, you can take advantage of sales, seasonal items, and that perfect piece that just happens to come your way.
    • Even the simplest thrifted find can shine with a bit of creativity. Make it your own by adding a personal touch! For example, a plain frame can hold a special photo or piece of art, and a thrifted basket can become a fun gift set filled with tasty treats.
    • Always check thrifted items closely to make sure they’re in good shape, especially if you’re giving them as gifts. Look for stains, chips, or missing pieces. For clothes, check for wear and tear or missing buttons. Spending a bit more time to choose nice items shows you care!
    • A thrifted gift can look just as nice as something new with the right wrapping. Think about eco-friendly options like reusable cloth, thrifted scarves, or vintage tins for packaging. A well-wrapped gift adds a fun touch and makes it even more exciting!

    Remember that thrifting gifts isn’t just about saving money—it’s about giving with love, fun, and care for the planet. When you take the time to find cool secondhand stuff, you can make gifts that are as special as the people receiving them.

    Happy thrifting! I hope you find gifts that spread joy and inspire others to join the secondhand fun!

    [sibwp_form id=2]

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • Is AI The Secret To A Better Thrift Haul?

    [su_note note_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”9″ class=””]

    This post contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

    [/su_note]

    The Future of Secondhand Shopping Is Here

    What would you think if a robot appeared on your screen and helped you thrift on the web?

    That reality is already here, and you might not even realize it!

    With the rise of AI (artificial intelligence), many apps, websites, and plugins are now utilizing special features to help us find the exact secondhand clothes we’re looking for or get the best deal online.

    ThredUp, the largest secondhand clothing website, is the latest to release new AI features to help you navigate their platform and become a better thrifter.

    In this post, I’m going to explore these new features and share how I’m using them and what my honest thoughts are about them.

    What is AI?

    AI is defined as artificial intelligence, a technology that allows you to generate, classify, and perform tasks like image analysis and speech recognition.

    It’s been around since the 1950s and is more a part of your life than you think.

    Most people became cognizant of it with the rise of ChatGPT, but it does so much more than write poorly structured social media captions for your Instagram.

    I honestly am in favor of AI and how accessible it makes things for many people. I’m not afraid of it taking my job, but I am in favor of how it can help me and you!

    Now that we have covered that, let’s take a closer look at how AI is being used on the ThredUp platform!

    AI-Powered Thrifting: How ThredUp is Transforming the Thrifting Experience

    Search Bar

    The first change to appear on ThredUp was an improved search bar. I was excited to be part of this Beta testing earlier in the year and was impressed with how quick it sped up my searches for specific pieces!

    According to ThredUp, this feature is meant to help you search for anything you want–from brands you love, specific pieces, or trends you can’t get enough of and they’ll show you endless options to add to your cart.

    Image Search

    The next AI tool being implemented is an image search. This is already a popular feature on other apps like Gem or Beni, and now ThredUp is getting in on the fun.

    Upload any photo (even from Instagram) and they’ll find the picture-perfect pieces to match.

    In my experience with this feature, I found it to be very accurate! It was able to detect multiple pieces in one photo (despite a messy background or a human being featured) and found matches every single time. I’ll be utilizing this feature most to help search for Halloween costumes this year!

    Style Chat Bot

    The last AI technology that ThredUp is using is a style chat bot.

    Just tell ThredUp what inspires you–a look, an aesthetic, or even a celebrity–and they’ll instantly show you options that bring your imagination to life.

    How does this differ from the search bar? While the search bar is great at finding singular pieces (ie: purple tank top, black strappy high heels) the style chat bot can collaborate with you to build the perfect look or share new ideas with you.

    I entered a few style scenarios into the bot and it came back with collections and searches I wouldn’t have thought of. This would be so great to use if you need help getting dressed for an event or want to revamp your personal style.

    Is AI The Future of Thrifting?

    Whether we like it or not, AI is going to continue popping up on our favorite thrifting platforms and change the way we shop. Are those changes going to be good or bad? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

    If you found this post interesting, please be sure to Pin it and share it with a friend.

    [sibwp_form id=2]

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

  • Budget-Friendly Personal Color Analysis: Affordable Ways to Find Your Palette

    What Is Personal Color Analysis?

    Color analysis for personal style has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, thanks to the internet. Stylists, apps, and dedicated businesses are popping up to help you discover your “perfect” colors. While many are reputable, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.

    The idea of learning about your flattering colors and getting a professional analysis can be exciting. It promises a personalized color palette to empower you, navigate shopping dilemmas, and bring balance to your overflowing closet.

    But what if you’re on a budget? This post is here to help! Forget spending a dime – we’ll explore free ways to discover your best colors on your own.

    I believe color analysis should be just one tool in your fashion toolbox.

    In recent years, I’ve become immersed in personal color analysis as a way to combat decision fatigue. It was the missing “tool” from my closet that changed everything!

    In this post, we’ll explore how I utilize personal color analysis, why I love it so much, and how it helps streamline my closet overall (and how it can benefit yours too!).

    Let’s start learning!

    Why You Should Care About Color Analysis

    I used to think color analysis was solely about adding more clothes to your closet. But it’s so much more!

    Here’s what I truly value about personal color analysis:

    • Effortless Shopping: It can make shopping for clothes a breeze by eliminating options that might not flatter you, saving you time and money.
    • Closet Confidence: It can help you cut down on closet clutter and build a versatile wardrobe you’ll actually love wearing.
    • Finding Your Style: Color analysis is just one piece of the puzzle. But once you have the colors figured out, a whole new world of color pairings open up and you’ll find yourself trying new things and exploring your personal style much deeper.

    white female with brown curly hair, pink paper background, holding a vintage book titled color in fashion

    How To Find Your “Perfect” Colors For Free

    Some experts use a method of holding up swaths of colorful fabric up to your skin tone to check if they’re a match. These fabrics are usually categorized by seasons like “warm autumn” or “cool summer”.

    While that’s all well and good, I wanted to take a more casual (and free!) approach to finding my colors. I wanted to create a color palette that was truly unique to me. Not only are the colors flattering to my skin, but they match my personality and express who I am!

    To do this, I scoured hardware stores for paint chip samples. I picked up handfuls of samples that looked appealing to me, as well as others that I didn’t like—all for the sake of experimenting and learning.

    a pink rug with a Vintage book titled Color in fashion, a stack of paint samples, paint samples on a key ring

    Once, I had all my samples together, the fun began. I sat in front of a well lit window (don’t skip this important step!) and had a mirror in front of me and help up each color sample one at a time to see how it “popped” against my skin.

    Eventually I had a stack of color chips that looked great against my skin. The next step was to narrow them down to round out my personal color palette.

    To do this, I compared all the colors together, seeing how they looked next to each other. Slowly, I built a mini-rainbow of colors that felt happy and balanced.

    And guess what? It totally confirmed what I already knew all these years – cool colors are my jam, and a pop of brightness always makes me smile!

    Seeing all the colors together was like a little “aha!” moment – it felt like a tiny snapshot of my personality laid out right there!

    How To Use Your New Color Analysis Tool

    So what do you do with all the paint samples and how do you actually implement it’s powers?

    Take all of your samples and cut them down into little strips, punch a hole through the tops, and add a keyring. This makes a keychain you can have handy on you at all times.

    white female with brown curly hair, pink paper background, holding up a stack of paint samples

    But if you want to take it to the next level, add a bracelet, hair elastic, or another stretchy band and create a bracelet. This is the exact method I use when I’m shopping. Before heading into the store to shop for clothes, I throw on my bracelet and go!

    My color palette is always with me! While shopping, I can quickly hold my color swatches against a garment to see if it flatters my complexion. (Remember, fashion is all about fun! If a piece speaks to you, regardless of color, grab it!)

    This is especially helpful in stores with harsh lighting, which can distort the true color of clothes. Black and white pieces can be particularly tricky in these conditions, so having your color palette handy is a lifesaver!

    a hand is holding a fan of paint samples and comparing them to a rack of colorful clothes

    Other Tools To Put in Your Style Toolbox

    Other “tools” I love are choosing silhouettes that help you look your best, getting measured and wearing clothes that are your true size and, of course, taking style quizzes to find out what aesthetic(s) resonate with you!

    In Clothes-ing

    Remember, discovering your best colors is just the beginning! This newfound knowledge will empower you to build a wardrobe you love, shop with confidence, and ditch the decision fatigue. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to express yourself!

    Ready to dive deeper? The internet is a treasure trove of free resources on color analysis. Explore articles, watch YouTube videos, and experiment with online tools. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with the process!

    Most importantly, remember that fashion is all about embracing your unique personality. Your color palette is a guide, not a rulebook. So go forth, experiment with confidence, and rock those colors that make you feel amazing!

    Happy color hunting!

    ALSO SEE MY STYLE ON:

    FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE