Feathers and Freckles

Back so soon?

2013-09-24T09:02:00.000-04:00

So, it turns out that very few people in my daily life want to talk endlessly about thrifted chambray or DIY jewelry. What's up with that?

In other words... I miss having an outlet to share the pastimes I love with people who have similar interests. Rather than re-start Feathers & Freckles, I've decided to start a new blogging adventure. I have created a new blog, and it will be much different (I'm dramatic, it's only slightly different).

There will be no sponsors, no set schedules, and no looking back. I am going to focus on crafting, thrifting, and recipes. Oh, and you know there will be gifs...

I hope you'll follow along with Ginger Snaps!

Farewell

2013-07-31T08:16:00.000-04:00

With much sadness, and admittedly even more relief, I've decided to end Feathers & Freckles.

When I started this blog, I told myself I'd quit the moment it stopped being rewarding and fun. I've slowly felt more and more burdened by my blog, and I'm sad (and proud!) to admit that I've outgrown it. I'll always thrift, craft, take photos, and get dressed - but I'd like to get back to just enjoying those things.

I never like to 'quit' anything without reflecting on why I started. I started Feathers & Freckles as a way to fine-tune my style and make myself more confident and excited about getting dressed. It's done just that and more. In the end though, clothing and fashion have never been a very important part of my life and I don't want them to become that.

I've learned a lot over the past two years, and I've loved interacting with people from all over the world with similar interests and senses of humor. Thank you for your support, feedback, and sweet words. It's been a pleasure getting to know you and letting you get to know me, and if you'd like to keep in touch please feel free to email me! Also, I could never give up Instagram, so if you want to keep up with my life & thrift finds, you can always find me there.

Thanks for a fun ride!

Cream of the Crop

2013-07-29T09:02:00.003-04:00

Thrifted skirt, Forever 21 top, Shop Ethereal necklace c/o, Madewell tote, Jeffrey Campbell wedges

Last week I did something totally out of character... I went into Forever 21 and left with a crop top. This was then followed by doing something totally in character... going home and asking myself why I just bought a crop top from Forever 21.

I'm definitely warming up to it, but I'm still a little weird about exposing my belly button in public and if it shrinks any shorter I'll be passing it down to my cat. So, I just have to avoid any situation that requires I lift my arms and I can never wash it.

First-rate Second-hand

2013-07-26T08:23:00.000-04:00

I've decided to start doing a roundup of my favorite thrift finds at the end of each month. This month I found a few gems that I'm pretty excited about.

Porcelain Pear
After falling in love with Kayley's kitchen, I've been on a thrift mission for a decorative pear. I was pretty surprised to find this cute little guy hidden on a bottom shelf at Savers.
(And we know how I feel about surprises).

... and I've also started a thrifted plate collection to hang on the wall (I told you I loved her kitchen).

Vintage Tin
This colorful English tin now stores my makeup.

Josie Floral Robe
Scored this on half-off day at Goodwill, and it's so delicate and perfect for summer.

Wooden Tray
A cool tray from that's been perfect for lazy weekend mornings.

Sam Edelman Loafers
Mustard and leopard? Move over summer, I'm officially ready for fall.

Now, make me proud and tell me what you've thrifted lately!

Dream Denim

2013-07-24T08:04:00.000-04:00

Jane Wow top c/o, Thrifted jeans/necklace, Madewell tote, Marshall's sandals (similar)

Thrifting jeans is probably the hardest and most rewarding thing in life (childbirth is a close second, I'm sure). You have to find a pair in your size that aren't stretched or shrunk, that aren't stained past the point of no return, and that don't look like they were made in 1982.

Once you pass all those check points, you're rewarded with jeans that you don't have to break in. You don't have to soften them, do squats every time they come out of the dryer, or secretly pick your wedgie every time you stand up. You let someone else do the hard work for you, and then you just have to worry about finding a cute top to pair with them.

Tee Time

2013-07-22T08:15:00.000-04:00

Thrifted tee/cardi, Gap shorts, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Kelsi Dagger tote, Fossil watch (similar)

I was stalking a cute girl as she came out of a Goodwill dressing room and put her unwanted items on the rack, when I spotted this J. Crew tee in her hands. (This is how every good story begins, right?)

She reached to hang it up and leave it behind, we awkwardly made eye contact, and she handed it over after I gave her one of these.

Rad Giveaway

2013-07-19T08:21:00.001-04:00

The Rad Market is giving one U.S. reader a $25 gift card to their adorable jewelry shop!
They have some really pretty stuff - in these photos, I'm wearing this necklace in mint (and don't tell Kevin, but I'm thinking about buying this one too).

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Annnnnd... even if you don't win, you can still enjoy 20% off

Easy Does It

2013-07-17T08:25:00.001-04:00

Gap top (on sale!), Gentle Fawn skirt (also on sale!), Marshall's sandals, DIY necklace, Madewell tote

I think the key to life is doing everything as easily as possible without making it look like it was too easy. This applies to the kitchen, the workplace, the gym, and especially the wardrobe.

This outfit was as easy as 1 (a top) 2 (a skirt) 3 (sandals), but when people see a maxi skirt they assume it took effort and that you're headed somewhere fancy. If you consider watching 5 episodes of House Hunters fancy, then yes, yes I am.

Vesto Chango!

2013-07-15T08:13:00.001-04:00

Gap vest, U.O. dress (on sale!), Madewell tote, Marshall's sandals, Fossil watch (similar)

This vest is a game changer. It's a summer-approved denim jacket that I've been pairing with everything but my pajamas. It's so easy to throw on and makes every outfit more interesting - it's the whipped cream topping to my wardrobe.

Speaking of making things more interesting, I'm not sure what can improve a Monday more than seeing one of your favorite comedians. For our anniversary, I bought Kevin tickets for us to see Jim Gaffigan and the day has finally arrived. (I was going to buy him his very own denim vest, but I think he appreciated the tickets more.)

Blogiversary Countdown

2013-07-12T08:19:00.000-04:00

Feathers & Freckles turns 2 today! Let's countdown some of the memories.

10: The number of fashion flashbacks I've done in the past year.

a very special flashback / a very creepy flashback

9: Roughly the number of times I've thrown my tripod while taking my own photos over these 2 years.
(I've only had to replace it once so far!)

self-portrait tips, my most-viewed post!

8: The number of DIY projects I did in my first year. Over the second year I did 30!

spoon pendant - my very first DIY / strawberry lip scrub - my most-viewed DIY

7: The number of pounds that I've gained since starting my blog - yay, marriage! Just keepin' it real.
(Shop the pieces that no longer fit me and use code 'Freckles' for 20% off through the 19th!)

6: The number of times I've mentioned my cat, Kiwi, and the number of giveaways I hosted this past year.
Clearly we need an increase in both!

5: The number of thrift stores I regularly visit (they're responsible for filling most of my closet).
Without them, there wouldn't be a blog!

this skirt was my first Anthropologie thrift find / a vintage dress that makes me feel like T. Swift

4: The number of times I've looked back at my first post for a good laugh. That's 4 times too many.

The dreaded first post... because a barbed wire fence makes a great backdrop?

3: The number of outfits I never hit publish on this past year.

These two didn't make the cut!

2: The number of years I've been blogging!

the last post of my first year / the last post of my second year

1: The round of drinks I'd love to share with all of you to celebrate my blogiversary. Thank you so very much for supporting and reading Feathers & Freckles. Cheers!!

Totes Worth It

2013-07-10T08:12:00.001-04:00

Target top, Thrifted shorts/jewelry/jacket, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Madewell tote

I'm typically not one to buy 'investment pieces' or spend a lot of money on one item for my closet... until this tote bag. I've wanted it since before Christmas but have held off on buying it. This is partially due to the fact that buying anything over $150 requires a minimum of 3 conversations with Kevin, 2 reviews of our bank account activity, and 1 long agonizing wait while saving up.

This is also because I would rather have 35 used, cheap things from a thrift store than 1 new, expensive item. I'll admit that it was nice to finally purchase something that I didn't have to settle on or spot clean, but I did miss the price tag and celebratory dance that comes with an awesome thrift store find...because you can't really do this after just clicking 'purchase' online.

*psst... speaking of online purchases, new items were added to my closet shop!*

Fashion Flashback

2013-07-08T08:21:00.000-04:00

Thrifted skirt/top/sandals, Target tote (on sale!)/hat, Necklace a gift from Kev

That Gap purple gingham top was my 'fancy shirt' back in the day. School photos? Purple gingham. Out to dinner? Purple gingham. Birthday party? Purple gingham. That top was good to me.

Then the day came that I thought I was too cool for purple gingham, and the Gap in general. Who did I think I was, Ryan Gosling? My love for the Gap and gingham resurfaced in high school, and I kind of regretted getting rid of that top. When I found this button-up at a thrift store, I smiled and brought it home - finally I've been reunited with purple gingham, and we have a lot of catching up to do.

Celluleave

2013-07-05T08:13:00.001-04:00

Let's talk about cellulite, shall we? I have it, and I'm assuming you do too. I realize it's something I'll always live with, but I've found some ways that make my skin feel firmer and give me a bit more confidence.

During warmer months, I use this scrub weekly on my problem areas. The caffeine in the coffee is known to stimulate circulation, and while it won't get rid of cellulite, it will improve its appearance over time and make you smell like a mocha.

Simply mix ingredients together.
Rub in circular motion over problem areas - do this in the shower because it can get messy!

Patriotic Portions

2013-07-03T08:06:00.001-04:00

Thrifted dress, Target tote, PB&J Boutique seychelle's heels c/o, Fossil watch (similar)

Tomorrow is Independence Day (aka the 4th of July, or half-off day at Goodwill). This outfit is my way of being patriotic - red, white, and blue mixed in with some green, yellow and gold. Who knows, I may even throw this hat on with it tomorrow while I'm celebrating America in the traditional way... stuffing my face without any consideration for portion control.

Speaking of portion control, I've put on some weight since our wedding and some of the things in my closet no longer fit. Let my gain be your gain and shop my closet here!

Zoning Out

2013-07-01T08:13:00.001-04:00

Thrifted top/clutch, LOFT skirt, BCBG wedges via Ross, t+j designs necklace (on sale!) c/o

Sometimes I like to step outside of my comfort zone. It's usually only a baby step, like buying tinted lip balm instead of clear, or ordering a dish 'spicy' instead of 'medium spicy'. This outfit feels a little out of my comfort zone... (semi) short white skirt, (semi) high wedges, and (semi) flashy bling.

It was fun to put on something a little different for a date, and I think Kevin liked that it was too hot outside to throw on my denim jacket like usual (apparently men don't like coats made of jeans?!). I already had one foot out of my comfort zone, so I opted for clear lip balm and 'the usual' at dinner.

Of Quartz!

2013-06-28T08:06:00.005-04:00

I recently found my old bead collection and remembered how much fun I used to have making jewelry. This necklace is really easy to make, and it's something I can see myself wearing a lot.

You can find these beads at craft/bead stores, or even online. Have fun with it! If you don't like the chain, use a stand of colorful beads or thin leather cord. Get creative!

1. String beads onto the wire in the order you like. (Bending one end helps to keep them from sliding)
2. Using pliers, bend the end of the wire to one end of the chain.
3. Repeat step 2 on the other side of the wire.
4. Attach clasp to the other open end of the chains.

Redhead

2013-06-26T08:20:00.000-04:00

Winter Lennon dress, Target tote, Thrifted jacket, Outfit Additions bracelet c/o, Fossil watch (similar), Style&Co. wedges

Redheads have an unspoken bond. When I pass another ginger on the street I always give a little head nod, as to say, "Yep, I'm getting sunburned right now too, sister!"

When I see a fellow redhead wearing something cute, my interest in it increases tenfold and I become obsessed. I've left conversations mid-sentence to go ask a redhead where her shirt is from, followed one out of a movie theater to find out where I can buy her shoes, and let's just say I'm not above going through another redhead's medicine cabinet to find out what lipstick she's using. So when I saw this model wearing this dress, well, you know the rest...

Flazer

2013-06-24T08:27:00.000-04:00

Thrifted shorts, Target top, Jane Wow blazer c/o, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Handbag Heaven clutch c/o

Here we are again... another Monday, another floral blazer (or flazer as I like to call them). Flazers are like cats, once you start collecting them you want one in every color.

There's really nothing you can't do in a flazer. I wore mine from work to dinner and drinks, and it could easily transition into an early retirement to Florida.

*Speaking of retirement, don't forget that Google is retiring their reader on July 1st.
You can still follow on BlogLovin' and/or Facebook.*

Put a Lid On It

2013-06-21T08:29:00.000-04:00

I think we can all agree that mason jars make everything better. That gross drink? Suddenly amazing when put in a mason jar. That ugly collection of pens? So vintage inspired when tossed in a mason jar. Your wedding? Forget the marriage license, it's not official without at least 2 mason jars.

This project just requires the lid of a mason jar, and it can instantly jazz up photos for your fridge. You could also glue tacks to the back instead and pin these to a cork board. Get creative!

Wrap embroidery thread around the lid's rim. Glue ends down at start/finish and when switching colors.
Glue the lid cover to the back of the rim and glue magnet on top of it. Put in a photo and enjoy!

I chose some photos from our wedding - our precious cake toppers make me smile.

The One That Didn't Get Away

2013-06-19T08:16:00.000-04:00

Jane Wow dress (one size left!), Thrifted jacket/heels, Target tote,
INPINK necklace set c/o (use code FEATHERS30 for 30% off)

A while back, Anthropologie sold a white dress covered in black cats (you know the one...). I never did get it, despite needing it - how will anyone know I love black cats if I'm not covered in them? I kick myself for not buying it, and every time I see a girl wearing it I stop in my tracks and make this face.

I wouldn't let that happen with this dress. No way. When I saw Kendi wearing it, I knew I needed it. It was sold out in her shop, but I hunted it down for $40 cheaper. Even though Kevin and I are on a budget, I knew I needed to do the right thing - so I bought it while he was sleeping.

Buying in Bulk in Blue

2013-06-17T08:25:00.002-04:00

Thrifted dress/wedges, Wizards of the West blazer c/o, Kelsi Dagger tote, LOFT necklace, Fossil watch

I wore this on our weekend trip to Costco, where a blazer is required in order to grab produce in the refrigerated section without getting frostbite. We are now the proud owners of about 6,000 tampons, 8 gallons of BBQ sauce, and a barrel of coffee that we had to roll through the door.

I usually let Kevin do most of the shopping while I spin around the store flipping through books, looking at clothes, and revisiting the free sample stands over and over. Because if I'm going to invest in a 6 pound bag of kettle corn, I've got to make sure I like it, right?

*The winner of the DAAME polka-dot clutch has been chosen!*

Brush Up

2013-06-14T08:19:00.000-04:00

It usually takes a huge break-out for me to realize I need to clean my makeup brushes, but I've been trying to get better about regularly cleaning them.

You don't need to spend a lot of money on brush cleaner. You can clean your brushes cheaply, and just as effectively, with items around the house. This works like a charm!

1. Mix the ingredients together in jar/container of your choice.
2. Put your brushes in and swirl them around for about 1 minute.
3. Rinse the brushes (reshape them if needed), and lay out to dry overnight.

It's fun to watch the pigment come off your brushes. Just me?

Rompin'

2013-06-12T08:25:00.002-04:00

Thrifted cardigan/sandals, Target romper (on sale in stores!)/tote/hat

(I'll take a second while you all adjust your eyes after being momentarily blinded by my legs...)

The sun is out in full force, and so is my transparent skin. I always find it funny when my legs come out at the beginning of summer and people begin making comments about just how pale I am. Did they think I was hiding these under my pants all winter?

Well, there's no hiding these legs now. The temperature already broke 100 degrees and the A/C in my car broke right along with it. We can't afford to fix it right now, so my next DIY project might look like this.

DAAME Dots

2013-06-11T08:33:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to introduce you to DAAME, a member curated shopping space for bags & accessories. Each product is designed in collaboration with its members, and handcrafted locally one at a time. Click on the photo to join and you'll be able to access the whole site - including my feature.

Enter below to win a polka-dot clutch of your own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Giveaway open to US residents only. Sorry!)

Clutching On

2013-06-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

Thrifted heels (Seychelles!)/top/necklace, Gap jeans, J. Crew bracelet, DAAME clutch c/o

As we get older, Kevin and I don't go out as much. So when we do, we go big. I love letting loose with our friends, showing off my sexy dance moves, taking 8 billion photos (I'm that friend), and singing along to lyrics I don't actually know.

I keep my 'going out' outfits easy and practical; the less layers I have on the less likely I am to lose one of them. I can't tell you how many blazers have been stranded and left for dead on a sticky bar floor (ok, I can. Two). Of course, wrist-clutches are required - because once my noodle arms get going around midnight, my wrist is the only thing keeping me from losing my valuables.

*Stay tuned tomorrow to peak inside my clutch and for a chance to win your own!*