To Thrift or not to Thrift.....

This is my last thrifted outfit for the week.  I look a little serious because it was rather cold that day.  My shirt is Ann Taylor Loft- thrifted for $2.00 and my shoes are Steve Madden loafers, also thirfted. I wanted to devote these last two weeks to thrifting, because I enjoy it so much. Also, I wanted to share reasons to thrift, if you currently don't.  I have a thrifting story to tell. I admired a shirt similar to this one ( in the photo) that my friend had purchased from J.Crew. I held off on buying it, but I found one similar at the thrift store. So, even current styles and trends can be found at the thrift store because fashion trends always seem to come back around.   I will occasionally do posts on things I have thirfted. But my blog will not be devoted to only thrifting, because when I look at someone's personal style and I really like a thirfted item, I am bummed when I know I can't purchase it.  So, I will try to showcase items that are currently available.   Have a great weekend, and I would love to hear if you thrifted anything lately!

**Don't forget about my J.Crew bracelet giveaway here.
**Please vote for me at Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms.

Exciting News!!

I am very excited to announce that my blog has been entered in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms blog for 2012. This is a contest for mom's who blog and demonstrate that motherhood and style can coexist. For this contest, I do need your help. I would greatly appreciate it if you could go here or on the button on the side of my blog and vote for my blog. You do not need to join anything to vote and you can vote each day. You will just need to scroll down and then vote for Expressive Style. Thanks for your support.

DIY- VIntage Suitcase Dog Bed

 In continuing with my theme of thrifting, I created this unusual DIY, but it's one that my dog loves. My awesome friend gave me this suitcase that she bought from the thrift store. She purchased this for a $1. 00. With this suitcase and some other materials I was able to create a unique dog bed for my sweet girl, Elle. This bed can be made for any size dog, you just need to find a larger suitcase.

Materials need for this project are a suitcase, hammer, pliers, screw driver, fur and cotton material,  poly fill, tape measure, hot glue gun and sticks, scissors, sewing machine, thread, acrylic paint, 4 wooden spheres for feet, pencil  and a foam brush. 

Step1: Separate the top and the bottom parts of the suitcase with a screw driver and hammer.  I also used my pliers to pull out any extra screws.

This is what my suitcase looked like when separated. I then wiped down the inside and let it dry overnight.  I made two beds from one suitcase. The bottom was used for the bed for my dog and the top part of the suitcase for a bed for my friend's dog. 

Step 2: Next, you will work on the bed/pillow. I bought enough material for the length and the width of my suitcase. My material was $4.00. I cut it into two equal pieces. Then, I faced the material pieces together,  with the material I want to see inside. (If you do not want to complete this step due to the sewing, you could purchase a pillow, instead)

Step 3: You will need to sew three sides completely. The fourth side you will leave an opening to fill.

Step 4: Fill with the poly fill. This was only $2.99. I had enough to make two beds.

Step 5: Fold over the edges and sew opening closed. 

Step 6: Cut you fur material  while leaving enough so that it can hang over the sides of your suitcase. This was material from a vintage fur coat, also thrifted. Fur material also can be found at your local craft store.

Step 7: Glue the fur into the grove of the suitcase.  I used fur also to cover the back metal screws that were holding the suitcase together. 

Step 8: Paint the sphere shape legs for the bottom of the suitcase. These can be found at your local craft store in the wood aisle. They come in packs of four and are $2.00.  I painted mine black with white polka - dots.

Step 9: Using a tape measure, measure from the edge and make four marks to place the feet. You will need to hot glue  them into position. 

Finished product turned out great. I love this bed, because it combines my love of vintage with a flare of modern. It seems like there are quite a few steps, but this really can be done in less than one hour if all the materials are ready.  I would love to hear what you think and don't forget about my giveaway. 

2nd Week of Thrifting

This post will begin my second week of recent thrifted finds.The outfit below has many great items that were thrifted. My Franco Sarto shoes were consigned and are a great neutral color. My favorite characteristic of these shoes are the two zippers on each side. My lace shirt, which was purchased from a local thrift store, is unique because of the mesh material and the neckline. Last but not least, these Gap silk cropped pants.(Love ,Love) These were not thirfted, but they were half the price of the shoes. So, I definitely consider them a thrifty find.

** Don't forget to check out my giveaway!!

GIveaway- J.Crew bracelet

During a shopping trip, I came across this red lucite J.Crew bracelet. I loved it for myself, but I wanted to get something for my readers. So, I bought it for one lucky winner. To win this J.Crew bracelet, you need to follow the steps below.


1. Join my site (see the side of blog).
***If you are already a follower skip directly to Step #2.


2. Follow me on Bloglovin. This allows you to be informed when the blogs you follow have a new post.





3. Leave me a comment giving me feedback about my blog. For example, something you enjoy from my blog -DIY's, Looks for Less, Personal Style photos, or suggesting websites. Or you could tell me something you would like to see more of on my blog.

***** One thing I would like to incorporate on my blog is to have my readers email me a photo from a high end designer. Then I could use this look to do a post on this  "look for less."

Contest will end February 19,  2012 at  midnight. Each comment will receive a number in the order they are received. I will then use a random number generator to formulate the winner. Then,  I will email the winner to get your address to mail the bracelet to you. Good Luck.

Fur Cape Find

 I hope everyone is as excited as I am for the weekend!  It has been a long week (yet again).  In the photos below are three more of my thrift store finds. This fur cape is fabulous.  My favorite characteristics of the cape are the two pockets in the front and its asymmetrical design. I would have purchased it for a lot more than my mother paid for it. (That's how you know it's a good purchase!  Good looking out mom!). The price was $2.99- that's why I love Goodwill and their set prices. Another piece from the thrift store is the long sleeve lace shirt. This shirt is a great staple piece and I don't see it going out of style. I wear it with many things. The last item is my Steve Madden blue suede pumps from Plato's Closet. I love this cobalt blue color (more like obsessed). I have been looking for a pair of colored suede pumps and for $14.00, these had to be mine. These pumps will get a lot of use. In many blogs I have been reading, everyone seems to be on a spending freeze. When you thrift store shop you can still find current trends without killing your wallet. Then you can still save for your spring "must have" items. Have a great weekend. I would love to hear if you have thrifted anything lately.

***Sunday I will be posting my give away!!!

DIY- Recovering a footstool or ottoman

 This is another one of my great thrift store finds. This footstool (or small ottoman) was $3.99!!! The bottom of the stool was not scratched at all, but the fabric had rips and really wasn't  my style. I am not an expert at reupholstering furniture, but I love my staple gun. It is a little crazy how many times I have changed my kitchen seats. This find was too good to pass up and I could see it had great potential. I know I haven't done a DIY on a household item, but when the summer comes, I will be doing more of these. If you have a piece of furniture, and you always wanted to change the material, give this a try. I have a great fabric website called Fabric Guru. They have a wide selection and are very reasonably priced.

My finished product, and I love it.

Materials needed for this project are material, staple gun, staples, scissors,  tape measure, and edging.  Make sure that you measure the length and width before purchasing your material.  My material was $15.00 and my edging was $2.55. My total cost was about $20.00.

Step 1: Cut off the existing material.

Step 2: Spread out your material and then cut accordingly.

Step 3: Fold the material under. Then pull the material tight before stapling. Follow this same technique around the stool.

Step 4: Leave the corners to do last. You will need to trim the excess material off the corners.

Step 5: Gather the material and pull tight. You will have some gathering, but that will be expected. Complete each of the four corners.

This is a finished corner. The decorative trim will cover your staples and any excess below the staple.

This is a picture of the decorative trim. This was sold  in 4 yard rolls.

 I love this stool in my living room. I once saw a post about combining your style with your significant other's. For me, I add pieces that are important to my husband. For example, those masks in the picture are from our trip to Mexico. He went to Chichen Itza: Mayan ruins and these mean a lot to him. Also, on the side table are books that he is interested in. I find these are great ways to incorporate both our styles and interests. I would love to hear what you think.