How I Shop Thrift

As I have increased my thrifting, I have realized a few things. Here are 10 things that I remind myself of before walking into a thrift store:

1. I may not find anything. I tend to try on lots of clothes, but walk out without anything. At least I've given it a wholehearted try.
2. I need to try on everything that I like even if the size on it isn't my regular size. Does size really matter? I don't think size should matter as long as it fits and you love it. I have sizes from XS to XL in my closet. I buy what flatters and fits.
3. I have to look at everything and I mean each item, so it's going to take a long time. There are times that I glance over everything and say there isn't anything I like, but if I take my time I end up with an armful to try on.
4. I need to keep an open mind about the possibilities that each piece may contain. Sometimes I pass up amazing pieces, but if I go back I find something awesome. I didn't like the blouse I found here, but when I went back I thought about how I would wear it and I snatched it up.
5. I need to think about what I already have that I can pair with my new item. I don't want to buy something that will require me to buy another item to pair it with. I want to be able to incorporate whatever I buy into my closet.
6. I must look over each item and see if it has any damage or stains. If something has a small stain that can be overlooked or can be covered by a pretty brooch, then I don't mind it. If it has a missing button, I can replace it. If it has something I can't repair or hide, I don't buy it.
7. I will only buy what speaks to me, not just another pair of jeans. I have way too many jeans and while they serve a purpose, I don't need any more.
8. I can't buy anything that will require me to buy a new pair of shoes. I am almost at my max closet shoe space. That real estate is reserved for the most special pair of shoes, the must haves that I can't walk out of the store without. I do have my eye out for a yellow pair. And a red pair.
9. I have to pick work appropriate items or justify when and where and how many times I will wear it. I hate buying something and only wearing it once or not at all. 
10. I will have lots of fun! I love shopping even if I don't find something.

I hope these thrifting contemplations are helpful.

♡,
D'Andra

Handbag Must Haves for Any Woman

Because you never know where you'll be when you need something, here is a list of must haves for the career woman (or any woman):

1. Eye drops. They are great for itchy or dry eyes. Plus, you never know when you (or your coworker) will get something in your eye.
2. Band aids. Great for when your amazing shoes start hurting after wearing them for hours and of course cuts.
3. Floss. I keep the small floss I get from the dentist in my purse just in case I get something stuck in my teeth.
4. Nail polish remover. I buy a box of the singles just in case I need it. If you have a big meeting and your polish starts to chip, you'll be glad you had this.
5. Safety pin. For when a strap breaks or a button falls off.
6. Bobby pins. For when your hair keeps falling in your face and you've had enough. Does this only happen to me?
7. Ponytail holders. Great for when the wind starts picking up or your hair just isn't cooperating.
8. Nail file. I hate when I chip a nail and it snags on my pants or my sweater or my tights.
9. Lotion. My hands are always dry, so normally I have two or three tubes in my bag. Plus it's great for flyaways and calms staticy hair.
10. Lip balm. My lips get dry, so I try to keep a couple in my bag. One with color because it can double as lipstick without being too heavy. And one without because it can double as a lotion (if you run out of lotion).

♡,
D'Andra

Changes

I've been contemplating the outfits I wear to work. I often think whether what I'm wearing is "work appropriate" or not. I usually don't care what I wear, but as I'm getting older I find myself adjusting what I wear so it's more age appropriate. I saw this lady at my work in a very, very short dress and I thought to myself "Wow! How can she wear that to work?" This has really made me think about what I wear. So, the first change I want to make on Sable & Sage is dressing more like a career woman in her mid-thirties.

My next change may not be a complete transformation, but after much deliberation, I have decided to not just have my blog as a place to share what I wear, but also a place that others can get something out of. I want every woman reading this to know that they can look great with out spending tons of money. This all started when I received the new J. Crew catalog. I love J. Crew, but I can't always afford it. I love the way they mixed patterns and colors. The colors are so vibrant and eye-catching. I want to buy everything in the catalog. Normally, I would buy a couple items, but I'm trying to not spend any money right now. Knowing that I wouldn't stop thinking about the gorgeous skirts and sweaters that J.Crew has, I decided that I could spend a few bucks and try to find similar items for a lot less. I still reserve the right to buy a special piece every now and then. I am a woman who loves to shop!

As my first work-worthy outfit, I thrifted this great skirt for $4.99 and the top for $3.99. I already had these awesome bright green shoes ($10.00). I picked up the tights last year for about $8. I got the belt as a set of three from Charlotte Russe. The set was 2 for $15, so I picked up 4 sets (12 belts) for $30. No brainer, right? The point of this outfit is to recreate all the great bright colors and patterns from the J.Crew fall catalog. The earrings are from my bff. I think I did a great job and I only spent about $30.

Skirt: Josephine Chaus via Goodwill
Shirt: Old Navy via Goodwill
Tights: via Target
Shoes: Qupid via STRUT
Earrings: Gifted

I know everyone may not like J.Crew (I don't understand that), but the idea is the bright colors that are in lots of the Fall/Winter collections this year. I just can't get enough of the colors. I will also be incorporating these items into my existing closet. If you like this outfit and want to recreate it, just keep in mind it doesn't have to be exact. I looked for a bright shirt and a pencil skirt and I was willing to take whatever I found that fit. The tights I already had and I picked a bright pair of shoes that was a different color than the shirt. Any pretty earrings will do. That was easy, right?



♡,
D'Andra

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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I hope you all have stuffed yourselves with lots of your favorite foods. I sure did.

I'll be back soon with some changes.
♡,
D'Andra

I Need a New Dress

I've made it to Restyle #7. I don't know that I can keep going. I think I'm tired of wearing the same dress. It feels like I've been wearing it almost every other day. I'm ready to finish the ten restyles and wear something different.

This term is not as busy as last term, so I think I might try to get out this week. However, that means I need to work extra hard tomorrow. Yuck! If I accomplish getting through all the homework I need to do, I think I might stop by the Tess Dress & Sikara Jewelry Designer Exclusive Evening. As I've mentioned before, I'm excited to see the new Spring Tess Dress Line. The event is this Friday, November 18, 6pm to 8pm. For more details, visit Tess Dress here.

Restyle #7

Dress: Maude via LeGarage Sale
Tank: Buttons via Francesca's Collections
Shoes: Pink Studio via I can't remember where
Earrings: Gifted
Ring: Charlotte Russe

I actually wore a purple cardigan with this, but it didn't make it into the photos.

Here's to the rest of the week. May it go fast and may the weekend last.

♡,

D'Andra

Is It Really Cold?

I'm very excited that it's starting to get cool outside. Such a nice treat after the sweltering summer we've had. I know that it is not that cold out, but after having so many days of 100+ degree weather this summer it feels cold. How cold does it really have to be to qualify as cold?

I wore this on Friday because it was cold out. The hubs had no idea that this was the same dress I've been wearing. I don't really know if that says something about me and my restyling ability or him and his lack of attention. Hmmm...

Anyway, I just added a sweater and a belt. Love it!! So very comfortable for cleaning at work and relaxing at home after a long day at work. It would have been nice to wear out for drinks, but I don't think I'm quite there yet (with regards to my stomach).

Over the weekend I tried out onions (which I have been throwing up for months) and everything was fine. So excited!!!

Restyle #6

Dress: Maude via LeGarage Sale
Sweater: Charlotte Russe Outlet
Tights: Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes: Pierre Dumas via ShoeStation.com
Belt: Charlotte Russe Outlet
Earrings: Gifted

Here's to a great week for everyone!!

♡,
D'Andra

All Belted Up

Last night I had a great time with a sweet friend from school. She was in town for work, so we had a chance to chat. It was very therapeutic to talk to someone going through the same things with work and school and no life.

I threw this outfit together last minute. I started with the boots and went from there. I grabbed the shirt and tried it out and then added the belts. I tried one belt at first, but it seemed swallowed by the rest of the look so I just added a couple more. I ran out of time to change anything, but I don't know what I would have changed anyway.

Restyle #5

Dress: Maude via LeGarage Sale
Shirt: Papaya
Belts: Charlotte Russe Outlet
Socks: Banana Republic Outlet
Boots: Qupid via UrbanOg.com
Earrings: Gifted

What are your plans for the weekend?

♡,

D'Andra

Let's Talk Restyle

Sorry for the long delay. I had a busy weekend with school stuff, but this should be the last long break in posting for a while. This semester is looking to be more flexible with time, so hopefully I will be posting on a more regular basis.

Now let's talk restyling. Of course I'm wearing that same dress again. It was supposed to be cold on Friday, so I threw on some leggings and a jacket. I'm enjoying how versatile this dress has become. I hope you are all enjoying each outfit as much as I am. Some of you may have noticed that I've been wearing several belts from Charlotte Russe. I was looking for more dresses, but when I didn't find anything that I just absolutely had to have I decided that I would just work with the dresses that I do have and restyle them (On the days that I don't post photos of this dress restyled, I'm restyling other dresses). I bought 12 belts for about $30. I totally scored at the Charlotte Russe outlet.

Restyle #5

Dress: Maude via LeGarage Sale
Turtleneck: Papaya
Leggings: BCBG Outlet
Jacket: Bobbie Brooks via Salvation Army
Shoes: Bonnibel via UrbanOg.com
Belt: Charlotte Russe Outlet
Earrings: Gifted

Hope you all are having a great week! See you all tomorrow for more restyling!

♡,
D'Andra