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BRIGHT + WHITE. A few of the true staples of summertime: bright bold juicy colors paired with white and gold accessories. So fresh.

If you don’t find that perfect pair of white shorts in the shorts section at Thrift Town, peruse the denim and slacks as well. They can easily be converted to shorts if the waist and hips are a great fit.

For a more polished look (as above) make sure converted shorts have a finished or cuffed edge.  This look is perfectly done: the solid colors make a statement while allowing the great accessories to shine. Wear a look like this with strappy sandals or wedges to a grad party, or cocktails with the girlfriends on a warm summer evening.

Ooh-la-la! This summer cut-out dress can be simply replicated when starting with a well-fitting dress or top from Thrift Town (under $10). Go through the racks looking for shoulder to hip fit, and be willing to budge on the color if you don’t see a great starting point in the color you’re hoping for.

• With white chalk, draw out the area you want to be open
• Try the dress on.
• Have a friend help you to make sure your chalked plan will translate well in the area that you marked, and adjust as needed.
• Once it’s decided: cut a half inch in from your markings, leaving extra to fold under.
• Fold the extra 1/2 inch in, pinning in place with straight pins, then sew it all in place! Head over to our belts and find a pretty ribbon belt or even a sparkly one and secure at the top and bottom, or horizonally across the new open back.

TA-DA!

ALL TEE’D UP. Here’s a sweet girly twist on a summer look: combine a longer, high-waisted skirt with a bright bold pattern with a graphic tee. Strappy heels round out the feminine look. This outfit could be done for around $20 at Thrift Town.

Just because Thrift Town is organized by size doesn’t mean you always have to shop in YOUR size. Oversized lightweight/textured sweaters like this one are a great summer layering piece. To recreate this look, throw the sweater on over a snug tank & skirt in coordinating colors, and add wedges & a bunch of stackable bracelets.

The oversized slouchy sweater is also chic over cutoff’s & sandals, or a maxi dress & skinny belt. Customize it to your personal style.

Continuing our white + bright idea – colored blazers are a killer layering piece! Keep your eyes peeled for these beauties when thrifting. If you find a great bold color, but it’s not quite your size, it’s completely worth getting it tailored. Keep your bright blazer in the car to throw on over a strappy summer dress or top to class it up.

Don’t forget to get the perfect wide-brimmed summer hat! Beach, pool or summer party – stay sassy in the shade.

Maxi dresses & skirts are great summer staples at any age. Keep it well-fitted but not too tight. This monochromatic look is just stunning at her age. It says, I have style, but notice ME, not just the clothes. And in the end, we want you to shine, and our clothes to enhance your personality.

So this summer, embrace your thrifty, DIY, sun-lovin’ self and rock that wardrobe for less!

Happy Thrifting, Friends!

Kari

Kari Shipman is thrifty, eco-conscious, and knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has been our featured blogger since we started the blog in 2010, and has a serious passion for fashion. In addition to owning her own Fashion Consulting Business, Juniper James, Kari is the Retail Manager and Designer Consultant for Flywheel, a non-profit, all-local designer retail shop/art studio.

Kari lives out her passions in Northern California with her wonderful husband Charles, and their black lab, Gracie.

Hi! Thanks for checking out our first ever video blog for Thrift Town’s Thrifty Tween Styles! This week we’re showing you how to do some fab DIY shorts. We hope you enjoy it. We’d love to hear from you and see the shorts you made.

Gianna & Sydney are 11 years old and in 5th grade. They both love sports, the beach, shopping, and antagonizing their siblings (Gianna has little two brothers, Syd has a twin brother and teen sister). Gianna & Syd have been BFF’s for the past 4 years and look forward to doing many more Thrifty Tween Style blogs.