Upcycle on the brink

Today I bought an old Danskin shirt at a rummage sale for .50 for the sole purpose of upcycling.  I don't like the original design--way too flashdance.   I will cut the armholes to follow two nicely placed stripes and cut several inches off the bottom and turn them into boy shorts.  In the end I will have a two-piece summer-weight pajama set costing 50 cents.  I love upcycling!

Little Black Dress

Some of my favorite Goodwill finds are little black dresses.  I have at least a dozen ranging from ones that work on the Board Walk and ones that work for evening business events and ones that work for winter holidays.  And most of them are higher-end designers.  It's fun dividing the timeless designs from dated duds and figure out shoes and accessories to compliment and update each look.  I'm happy to have a dozen LBD's and I would gladly have a dozen more - and if I find the right ones, I will!

surprise find

Not every great thrift store find is about fashion - we picked up a like-new microphone to use in the home recording studio we're working on.  Both my husband and I are singer/songwriters and we've been accumulating pieces over time.  This microphone is gold plated and worth considerably more than the $4.00 we paid for it.  It was in the box at the front of the store where donations are collected prior to pricing.  The store wants as many sales as possible and is willing to price on the spot.  Woo hoo - look for us on youtube!

Great Summer Deals

I'm heading for the beach for a few days this summer and wanted new cover ups to go with my new figure (lost 2 dress sizes since fall).  I found a great vibrant-hued tropical-themed mini dress to wear on the boardwalk in the evenings.  Paired with a great pair of gladiator sandals, I'll be cool, comfortable and chic.  Cost? $3.  I'll also take my vintage Ralph Lauren t-shirt dress (think Ali McGraw).  I  have 2 retro (50's-esque) sun dresses that have great silhouettes to wear for days and evening.   Dresses are infinitely more fun on the beach than shorts or capris!

Cha ching!

The real cost of the yard sale was my sunburn - didn't hurt, but was I red!  The great news is most of the items we sold realized triple and quadruple profit - or more.  I bought a grab-bag at a flea market in town for $2 and it had a medal in it that I sold for $10.  The rest of the grab bag I sold for $1, so I realized $9 profit on it.  It was like that all day, so I was glad to know I have a relatively good eye - however now I have a lot of glassware to sell and that will be a challenge.  We're also doing well on ebay so far selling what we've picked up.  If you're unemployed, now is the time to de-clutter and take the appreciated value of your treasures.

Does it pay?

Tomorrow, if the weather holds, I'll find out whether my picks and finds will sell for more than I paid for them - we're having a yard sale.  We're raising money to publish my husband's new book.  I'm selling six Coach purses and my 'in the style of' Birkin. I'm also selling my near perfect condition Edwardian hat.  Will post what sells and what stays with me.

Shoes-not cheap!

I've been designing shoes on the KEDS website - what a 'kick' (sorry-punintended).  Check out some designs at www.zazzle.com/cafecamisia