An Open (Love) Letter to JEWELIQ

Dear JEWELIQ,

            Hello and thank you for coming into my life. I’ve been stalking looking at your webpage for a while now, so I’m not entirely sure how it began. The most probable explanation is that I found your lovely business while reading one of the countless fashion blogs I read on a daily basis. Whoever that was, I offer you a cosmic thanks.

            You see readers (and JEWELIQ), I am not a “jewelry person.” I fear expensive jewelry. I don’t want to lose it or break it, or worst of all, tire of an expensive piece and feel guilty for not wearing it more often. The pieces I DO have are mostly costume jewelry- inexpensive pieces that make a big statement. So, when I came across this website, my jewelry concerns dissipated- I mean, all pieces under $25 with free shipping? And then I saw it. The bubble necklace. Sure, a lot of people are making similar versions, but not for a better price (Did I mention FREE shipping? Yes. Free.)

            With my birthday approaching, I quickly put the Crème Brulee Bauble Necklace and the Tortoise Link Necklace on my wish list. Unfortunately, my mother didn’t see the Baubles on the website (I think they were on page 2) and ordered something else, which I then had to return. Returning something is always a headache, but not this time, readers. I emailed Anna over at JEWELIQ and the exchange went effortlessly. I also got these beautiful ladybug earrings as part of a special promotion they were running to say “Thanks” to their customers. HOW LOVELY! They are a little heavy, but I wear them with those larger supportive backs and they’re great. 

            JEWELIQ, you just keep coming out with these beautiful pieces. Most recently, the Bauble Necklace in Bordeaux. Swoon. Also on the list: The Sailor necklaces and the Chocolate Disco bracelet- I’m sure by next week, the list will grow…) Also, recently I saw a fan on Twitter ask about rings, and you said, they will be added eventually. I, for one, am very excited. Please, keep up the excellent work!

            Readers, PLEASE check out JEWELIQ. All styles are represented. FREE SHIPPING. Do it. Also, they write you notes and ship everything in these velvet-y bags. I am obviously hoarding them all and plan to use them when I travel. 

I will continue to check your site weekly (if not more often) and pin all my favorite to Pinterest. Thank you for helping me become a jewelry lover! You did it! I’m a convert.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

ASAP

Grey v-neck t-shirt- Forever 21 ~$3

Sea creature chino shorts- J Crew (via Goodwill) ~$5

Gold and pearl strand necklaces- Consignment ~$6 (for 2)

White and leather belt- Vintage (from Mom)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST ~$34

            When I thrifted these shorts, I knew I had to wear them as soon as possible. Today, they picked me when I was getting ready and I was a bit confused as to what top to pair with them. I know most colors would go well with this brownish mustard colored print, but I went with the very safe grey v-neck you see here. I bought this shirt on deep clearance at Forever21 years ago and I love it. It’s my favorite/lucky shirt. I take it almost everywhere I travel, during all seasons. It’s comfy, it’s neutral and it’s versatile. I’m pleased with the overall look, but want to try again with these shorts. I hope the weather holds out through September so I can wear these shorts again.

Tell me readers, How would you style these shorts? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Gem Tones

Emerald green tee- Banana Republic (via Consignment) ~$3

Purple chino shorts- Land N’ Sea (via TJ Maxx) ~$15

White and leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Gold and pearl strand necklace- Consignment ~$3

Dark pink loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6

TOTAL COST: $27

            I love purple and green together, so I was excited to pair this new top with my purple chinos. My love for color extends to my shoes as well, as I selected my rose pink loafers. Of course, this beautiful emerald/teal top is going to transition perfectly to fall. I love gem tones, but don’t own many pieces in the classic gem shades. This top really jumped out when I thrifted it at a local consignment shop about a month ago as something I did not already have. I am often guilty of buying in multiples when it comes to classic staples. Of course, using thrifting as 60-70% of my shopping, this can take time. I cannot wait to find more shirts like this one my BR. It’s cotton, soft, stretch, and easy to wear, but so much more visually interesting than a regular tee-shirt.

Tell me readers, What items do you like to buy in multiples? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Con Accento

White and brown print tank top- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Khaki shorts- Old Navy ~$20

Gold slip on shoes- TOMS (gift, retails for $54)

Gold 24” strand necklace with pearl accents- Consignment (no brand) ~$3

Gold 20” strand necklace with pearl accents- Consignment (no brand) ~$3

Army green belt- Target (via Goodwill) ~$2

TOTAL COST: $31.50

            It’s rare to see me in an all neutral palate outfit, but here it is! I still manage to get some pizzazz in my ensemble with gold accents. The necklaces are recent thrifts from a consignment store and I just love them. They will mix well with many looks, casual and dressy. I am still new at the art of jewelry layering, so this is my “bunny slope” attempt.

Tell me readers, What are your tips for jewelry layering? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

Tie Dye Traveler

Purple Tie Dye dress- Pink Rose (via TJ Maxx) ~$20

Deer antler necklace- Etsy (gift)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

Gold belt- Goodwill (no brand) ~$2

Congac leatherette D&G (knock-off) purse ~$20

TOTAL COST: $62

            I love the look of a maxi dress, but I rarely find a good opportunity to wear them (I have 3 total). On this day, I was strolling a city followed by dinner at a nice restaurant. When I saw this dress years ago in TJ’s, I loved the boho vibe that the understated tie-dye gave it. It’s also an excellent length for me (I have long legs). I even attempted appropriate accessories whereas, in the past, I would have thrown on the dress and given up. This necklace is such a great statement piece- I love wearing it but feel as though it should be saved because I never want to be predictable.

Tell me readers, What is your statement jewelry piece? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B

Recaptured Recap

            Mom and I recently went thrifting in a near by town. We hit a small consignment store and a Goodwill. The consignment store was having a giant end of the season sale. Most of the sale items were complete duds (I could tell why they hadn’t sold) however, there was one gem- this brightly colored Aztec-y print silk shift dress (on left). While I was sale shopping in The Limited, I came across this mixed print dress (right) however, it has this weird plastic zipper up the front so I passed. When I came across this pink reincarnation, it felt like this was the dress I had wanted all along. It’s by Alice and Trixie, a brand commonly sold at Nordstroms, similar dresses retail for over $300. There was also some nice jewelry for sale (70% off) and even though I’m not “a jewelry girl” I really liked these classic gold pieces. They are both simple layering pieces with pearl accents, which I love.

Consignment Shop:

Alice & Trixie dress- $5

Gold strand necklaces- $3/each

            The Goodwill was disappointing in it’s overall selection. I did snag 6 belts because they had a great selection, which is rare at GW’s. I also snagged this St. John’s Bay orange button up tank. Lastly, I got one non-clothing item, a vintage Pyrex casserole dish.

Goodwill:

6 belts- $2/each

Orange sleeveless button up- $3.50

Thriftfully Yours,

B