Thrifting Tips and Tricks

So I've had many people ask me how I find such good deals at thrift stores. Several people tell me they  get too overwhelmed and feel like things are cluttered in thrift stores.

So I'm here to share some of my secrets!!!

1. Location, Location, Location

• Many people have taken thrifting as a "fad" while others like myself enjoy it as a hobby. So the more popular ares will likely have fewer hidden jewels and will be completely picked over.

2. Good Label, Bad Label

•  Okay so here is my method, If I buy something from a consignment store, it's going to be a nice brand or it's not worth it. If it isn't constructed well, there is no point. Because it might be already to worn to survive any more laundry days. So to look for these brands I literally just look at the labels in the clothes as I flip through them rapidly. If it isn't something that catches my eye, its not worth it. 

3. Check the Off-Season Racks

•  I've already written a post about how much I love off-season shopping, and the same works in consignment stores. I often look for things such as shorts in the winter because many people get rid of their off season clothes when they are switching their closets over for the new season. So thus these racks are often jam packed with over looked goodies

4. Be Patient!

• You have to devote time to thrifting. I've had luck and not had to look hard, but often when I've found my best garments they have been searched for thoroughly.

Some of my favorite finds have been:
Ralph Lauren Evening Gown ( post to come soon!!!)
My Patagonia Rain Jacket
Ralph Lauren Puffer Vest
Jack Rogers
Lilly Pulitzer Blouse and Shorts
Jcrew Seersucker Cocktail Dress
Banana Republic Blouse
Marc Jacobs Purse
Kate Spade Clutch

At The Desk of "The Practical Prep".

Currently seeking some inspiration and whenever I get into blogging mode I always like to have a certain spot to contain my thoughts. My desk is a montage of some cute quotes, fun cards, stickers, and bright colors that bring me joy. Here is a inside look at what my desk looks like.

Desktop Wallpaper courtesy of Carly from The College Prep, American Flag courtesy of moi!

I love having my Lilly tumbler around for easy hydration! And a picture of Drew to make me smile...Is that corny? Along with my Kate Spade box full of stationary for quick and easy thank you notes, and a monogrammed pad for times when I need to jot down thoughts!

I always have my  most recent nail polish out on my acrylic tray (Monogrammed of course!), my OPI fast drying drops, and my sparkly nail file to fix those stubborn broken nails.

Some of my favorite brands, a  Lilly quote, last years Dance calendar, 'A LA ME on the front! And a note from my cast from my choreography piece last fall.

THRIFT FIND ALERT!!!! *** WARNING!!!! MAJOR DEAL*****

Okay wanna hear something CRAZY! I was shopping at my local Goodwill, I have one in particular that I literally ALWAYS find something at, and BAM! out of no where I find a ......

                              BRAND SPANKING NEW PATAGONIA RAIN JACKET.....IN MY SIZE!

This was one of those times that I literally couldn't stop laughing, this jacket usually runs about
    $ 130-140  so you can imagine my joy when I found it. It was in perfect condition and upon further inspection, it was noted that it had never been worn. And guess how much it was...

7 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you hear that

7 dollars!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Okay rant over now! Here's What it looks like!

Now I'm just waiting for a rainy day to style it with my Hunters!

To Outlet? Or Not to Outlet?

The Practical Prep here! I have gone on quite a few post-Christmas shopping trips. Recently Drew and I headed down to Williamsburg to the Williamsburg Prime Outlets to do some shopping. While I was there I was thinking to myself.. Are outlets really worth all the hubub?

My Answer. Kinda

I usually find one or two things when I go down there, I usually take a trip after thanksgiving to look at possible Christmas gifts. Last year, I bought all of my friends Kate Spade socks and bangles from the Kate Spade Outlet. However, When I ventured to Marshalls I found the same socks for about 4 dollars less. And Kate Spade Bangles, you can find for the same price at your local Nordstrom Rack. This is the same for Ralph  Lauren shirts.

Now I did buy one Ralph Lauren Pink V-neck tee when I went on the most current trip. And Drew racked up on sweaters, long-sleeve tees- and v-necks. But I honestly think you can find most of those things at Marshalls and Tjmaxx..

However, My best find was at.... Jcrew Factory Outlet. I do believe that Jcrew has one of the best outlet stores. On top of most of their sales I can add my 20% student discount by showing my ID so that makes it even more fantastic of a deal. When I went to Jcrew Factory Outlet this time they were having a 50% off clearance for the entire store. can someone say HALLELUJAH!!! I found two awesome basic shirts for 5 dollars.... did you catch that... 5 dollars.. I could have spent hours in the store but Drew and I had limited time so I just bought a couple basic tees and departed.

Jcrew's clothes are not the easiest to find other than at consignment stores, so I think this outlet store is worth the travel, especially when they are having a store sale or clearance event.

Another advantage I personally have at these outlet stores are the GAP brands. With my employee discount I get an additional 30% off at  GAP, Old Navy, or Banana Republic. So when things are already marked down 80% off I feel like I'm stealing it!!! I bought a really cute sweater for around 10 bucks and its already become my new favorite.

All in all I say outlet stores are only sometimes worth the trek. I am an avid shopper at stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx who usually carry many of the brands I like to wear at cheaper prices than the outlets. The only downfall is that they do not have as large of a variety nor do they have as many size options. So my advice...Look at the stores before hand and see if they have a additional promotion going on then take the trek and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

 This is my new fav sweater! styled with my Jcrew Bangle, Jcrew Scarf, black jeans, and new Boots!

And these were the 5 dollar basic tees, originally 30 dollars! I got one in white and one in a tan color.

New Year...... New Me! ...........Well The Same Me.. Just Improved

all jokes aside! Happy NEW YEAR! Okay well I'm five days late but whatever:) As I reflect on my passing year I look at some of the great things that have come from it.
                                                        
                                                                        1. The Practical Prep

I never thought blogging would be so soothing.. but it is and its such a creative outlet. Starting The Practical Prep was just gonna be a fun way to share my thrifting finds,but I found it to be a outlet for emotions and an intro to the blogging networking universe.. Trust me its such a big world and I didn't realize what I was getting myself into. 

2. Drew

Not to get all mushy gushy on everyone but my four plus years with this guy have been pretty awesome and 2014 was probably our best year. He has helped me through so much and has been my rock and support system through a lot of bumpy roads. I am looking forward to 2015 and hope that our relationship only strengthens over this next year.

3. Friends

This year I was lucky enough to gain two really great friends in my life. Going through hardships really separates your real friends from those who just surround themselves around you. I am very fortunate enough to have met some amazing people. Real friends are treasures and ones that should not be taken for granted. EVER. 

4. Dance

I am always grateful for this wonderful art form I am a part of. 2014 was an awesome year. I got to work under Robert Battle and Mark Morris and perform on GMU's main-stage. This was a special blessing I will never forget.

5. Clothes

Where to begin... well 2014 has allowed me to take a step back and value the awesome staples in my wardrobe and help me to identify my true style. I've realized that its not about how many you have but more what they say about you. I have good strong staples in my closet and I've come to appreciate them more than ever. 2015 will surely bring some awesome finds, and you better believe you guys will be the first to know!

---2015----  

My new years resolution is to be better about blogging. In the last  month I got overwhelmed and lazy and this year I want to have a scheduled day where I blog and post to The Practical Prep in a routine manner. 

What are yall's new years resolutions?

My Christmas Haul

I would first like to start off with expressing how extremely blessed I am. 2014 was an extremely hard year for my family, so the fact that I had a great Christmas full of joyous family and filled with special memories, is remarkable. I also got alot of awesome staples in my preppy wardrobe.

Also Not pictured: Some great activewear and etc !!

Red top

This is not the exact shirt I got, mine is a tartan or scotch plaid. It took me years and I actually mean years to find one that I loved as much as this one from L.L. Bean. I've already belted it, worn it with my new vest and also tucked it into a skirt to make it festive. Its a Fall/Winter Essential! Plus its super warm!

J Crew lightweight down vest

Okay, so everyone has these.... but that's because they are amazing, I think I've worn it like 5 times already...oops! I currently own a black vest already so this off-white color is perfect for all of the things that I cant wear with the black vest. PLUS, its about to get cold so its the perfect weather for these things! I give this a 5 star rating.

Sam Edelman brown riding boots

I am probably the pickiest person when it comes to riding boots. I've been surviving on some not so great ones for the past year..can we just say ( I crazy glued the bottom to keep them together ) hahaha!  Well these Sam Edelman boots were a great buy, I got them for about 30% off at Nordstrom and used my Christmas cash to score these! I'm already loving them and I'm sure they will get great use out of them!

Longchamp tote

  FINALLY! my longchamp void in my closet has been filled. This bag is great! You can literally dump anything in it. It folds to travel or you can use it as a carry-on.  I've been using vintage Dooney and Burke bags for far too long, and its nice to have a new sturdy bag!

Monogram jewelry 
You cant go wrong with monograms! This year I  was blessed to receive a beautiful gold script "R" I don't know how I survived without it!

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses

You can honestly never have too many sunglasses! And I like the classic look of ray-bans!





What did you guys receive for Christmas?
-XOXO