Back in January, we did a post on flip flops because I was shocked to learn that some people had such strong feelings against the flip-flop fashion.  I was, however, glad to see that most of you (like myself) see their necessity and love ‘em and wear ‘em often. I mean they’re necessary, really necessary in this hot summer-like weather.  Oh wait, we haven’t seen that kind of weather yet but that’s a post for another day or another blog.

Did you know that flip flops are the oldest form of footwear that is still being worn today?  In fact, did you know that flip flops have been around for at least six thousand years?  With a track record like that, I don’t see them going anywhere soon.  Flip flops actually account for $2 billion in retail sales each year and this is only the U.S. market.  Havaianas enjoy the largest market share, capturing 6-10%.  I’m yet to try this brand but I hear they are the BEST so try I will and then report.

It’s that time of year to wear the flips night and day.  In case you haven’t noticed, they are everywhere which leads me to conclude that the haters are either sitting in a corner “hating” or joining the rest of us by stocking up on a few pair.

Remember when we used to call them thongs?  This article made me laugh.

Message Tees have been around for ages in form of personal expression. With their popularity peaking again the last few years, countless clever slogans, sayings and designs flood the fashion world. Whether one’s trying to make a statement or supporting a trend, there is no shortage of flashy tees.  Remember Neopolean Dynamite and “Vote for Pedro” tee?  Don’t even get me started on the “Twilight” Tees.  Nordstroms devoted an entire section to countless Twilight themed tees.

Whether you like them or not, the message tees are bound to stay around for a while.  Celebrities will continue to use them as a means to sway political opinion among people, to make a statement, to start a trend or to simply make us laugh.

Do you have a favorite “message tee” amongst your wardrobe?

What is the most clever saying you’ve seen on a tee lately?

Back when I did my first post about the burnout tee, I had no idea that such a tee style would become the rage and dominate even the fanciest styles.  But, I’m glad it has because I love them.  And apparently, so does everyone else.  In fact, they have been one of our most popular items that we’ve ever carried.  An item that is universal to every style.  An item that can be dressed up or down.  An item the works for every body size and shape.  An item that has quickly become a staple to every single wardrobe.

In case your sitting there scratching your head wondering what I’m babbling about, here’s a little info about the burnout tee:

The Burnout Tee: A cotton/poly fabric that undergoes and extensive process to reveal years of authentic wearing, adding a vintage flare. This tee comes with the “worn in feel” and without a doubt will be a favorite clothing item you own. Regardless one’s body type, the tee maintains it’s original shape as if it were custom made. Finally, we can be fashionable and comfortable at the same time.

And since “vintage” is the rage these days, it’s no surprise such a tee has become so popular.  Do you own one?  Two?  One in every color?

If not, you really should.

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for sales – good sales.

I rarely pay full price for anything with the exception of my running shoes because they are a necessity and I pay for quality.  Other than that, I’m pretty much a frugalista (not a cheapskate) because there is a big difference you know.  When, how and why stores run promotional campaigns is a rather interesting topic, if you’re into nerdy marketing stuff like I am.  However, there are times when a business can over do it completely with the sales, eventually doing more harm than good.

You know what I’m talking about.   The stores that go out of business 4x’s a year or hold an “exclusive” HUGE blowout sale every other weekend, but there’s doors never manage to really close and their intentions were never to do so all along.  There’s this furniture store where I live that does just that and it’s actually become a joke between the entire  community.  I, to this very day, have not stepped foot inside that store as a direct result from those campaigns.  And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

That being said, bring frugal is cool these days.  There’s been an increase of people reaching within their own creative abilities to save a little $$ in whatever way they can.  Some sew, craft and call themselves D-I-Y ers while others cut coupons and end up eating for pennies.  A bazillion different sites exist completely devoted to craze.  And have you noticed that stores are reducing their prices like never before?

We’re becoming a budget-conscious people while refusing to really compromise style.  I think it’s safe to say this Recession has birthed a whole lot of Recessionistas cuz it’s cool to be frugal you know.

Teaser…..you’re gonna love tomorrow’s weekly special.  LOVE, I say!

******** Today is the last day to get your jeans at $39.99 and how exciting to the loads of peeps anxiously awaiting their jeweled gems in the mail.  Also, tomorrow is the last day for the April Showers Giveaway and the 75% off coupon will be announced shortly. ***********

To Re-purpose

It’s not secret that being thrifty these days is definitely “in” and nearly everyone is tapping into their creative powers to do things a little bit different.  Of course, without compromising quality and style and in other words, be resourceful.  Such an art is known as Re-purposing and has no limits as to what can be transformed.  In fact, the more creative the better, right?

I could spend all day looking at the various ways people find to re-use items that only years ago most would have considered junk.  Today, more people are sewing, painting, sanding, stapleing and frequently the DIY corners of the Internet while flooding the DIY stores.  In fact, there’s an entire television network devoted to such projects and if I didn’t have anything better to do, I would lie lifeless on the couch and watch episode after episode.  I find it that fascinating.

Today, I want to share with you some Re-purposed items that I find both brilliant and not too complex.  After all, I’m all about simple and easy.

I came across this daybed quite a while ago on Design Sponge and thought it was such a brilliant creation that I saved.  Seriously, isn’t it amazing?

Old pallet turned Daybead

Ashley from Make it and Love It is the queen of transforming old clothing into something fabulous.  I envy her sewing skills and ability to make something from nothing.

Next, we have Amy from The Idea Room who has ideas spewing from every pore.  Her door turned shelf on the left is brilliant.  And how about transforming a used can into a lovely packing for fresh backed cookies?  Not to mention the artist smock and dress from an man’s shirt or the nightgown made from a pillow case.  In my next life I will be that creative.

Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous is brilliant with zippers, the hot new accessory item right now.  Check out her creations here.  And who would of thought that burlap would be such a cool necklace?

Then we have Carly from Chuckles and Grins who, quite frankly, has the ability to make anything useful and fabulous.

And this only begins to scratch the surface of all the endless possibilities involving the art to Re-purpose.  Caution though, it’s extremely addicting but equally satisfying to see how resourceful one can be.

It’s no secret that I’m a jean-loving kind of gal as I have expressed that many times throughout this blog.  Strangely, I actually think that jeans somehow define who I am and what I’m all about.  In fact, I just took this fun little jean quiz because it said

“What’s stitched on your bum say a lot about you.”

Well, of course, I was curious and wanted to know what my bum has been saying about me all these years.  And to think that Seventeen Magazine has held all the answers and I never knew.

Without haste, I quickly answered each question, regardless how silly they ALL seemed.  My bum’s been talking and I had no idea.  Afterall, our bum in jeans is what we really care most about, right?

Voila, my results:

Go take the quiz yourself

Right here

And come tell me your results.

And another fun quiz that will show you which brands and styles fit your shape the best can be found here.

Skinny jean update:

I fought the skinny jean thing long and hard and am here to officially report that I now own two pair and LOVE ‘em.  I have the Addie and the Ellie and wear them both all the time. For those of you that are still on the fence, deciding whether the trip back to 1985 is really something you want to do, I’m here to tell you it is and to just do it!

Don’t think you have the right shape?  Afraid you can’t pull it off?  I will tell you that our jeans are somewhat magical, I swear.  I mean they continue to miraculously fit and flatter every shape and size.  While I’m not claiming they hold any magical dust that will suddenly land a pot of gold on your doorstep, I swear they’re like the jeans in this movie in that they fit everyone perfectly. Really, and I don’t swear often. (well, not very often)

PS – I think you’re really going to like the tomorrow’s weekly special:)