Smell ya later, 2020. (This is an old photo from Smell ya later, 2020. 

(This is an old photo from this summer when I did my Harley Quinn makeup, but the energy felt right.)

I’ll be honest, I think the first half of 2021 is gonna be brutal but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, babes. We are almost there so stay safe and stay diligent.
I posted an embarrassing photo in my stories so I I posted an embarrassing photo in my stories so I have to balance it by posting a hot one here 😂 Also wow I haven’t posted since HALLOWEEN. I’ve been spending most of my IG time on my candle account, @brennancandleco, but I truly MISS Y’ALL. I formed so many great relationships over the years and I want to get back to that. So you’ll be seeing more of me, probably in a less curated way than you used to. I might lose some of y’all but I hope the ones I call friends will stick around because I really do miss you. 

And lastly, if you ARE into more business-y content from me, follow @brennancandleco, there are some pretty awesome things happening over there if I do say so myself.

Photo by @narirophoto
I may be at home, but I wasn't going to miss out o I may be at home, but I wasn't going to miss out on transforming into Furiosa. 

2020 has been a heck of a year, and I think we're all feeling a bit like we're stuck in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Ready to turn things around and kick our own Immortan Joe to the curb.

Happy Halloween. Stay home.
My latest project: @brennancandleco 🖤 My latest project: @brennancandleco 🖤
Welp I think this negative space mani is my new si Welp I think this negative space mani is my new signature look so prepare to get sick of seeing it in different colors. 💅🏻
Our tomato plants finally started flourishing and Our tomato plants finally started flourishing and thennnnn there was snow in the forecast 🙃 Tomorrow we are supposed to get quite a lot and I’m very cranky about it. Hoping our plants survive but more importantly, I hope the snow puts out the wildfires that seem to be never ending. It’s been a brutal summer for many reasons, but it’s still pretty cool to look at this bowl and know we grew these tomatoes from seeds. Also there’s currently zucchini bread in the oven from our garden ☺️
I am so so so grateful to @crispy.ray for designin I am so so so grateful to @crispy.ray for designing this and putting it on my body, y’all 😍 They are SUCH a talented artist and all around great person. I felt super comfortable and they executed my vision perfectly. 👽 I’ve been a diehard X Files fan since I was a kid (swipe for evidence and a photo of me and Gillian Anderson where I have never felt uglier lmao), so this means a ton.

Re: COVID-19. Truthfully I felt super nervous to get my tattoo and super nervous to post it here. I’ve still been doing my best to stay home but am also (like many of you, I think) struggling mentally. So where is the balance? Honestly I don’t know. I haven’t had a haircut (besides doing it myself), had my nails done, or sat down to eat except for once (and it was a place with no servers). I barely see anyone except my husband. Some days it’s fine and others it’s “how much more of this can I take?” So anyway. I took a risk, but @blackbirdinktattoo was taking everything very seriously. All were masked and sanitized (duh it’s a tattoo place) and I specifically chose a leg tattoo so Christa and I wouldn’t be breathing on each other. I long for the day when things are normal again. I long for the day when I can see my family again. But for now, I’ll try to safely find small pockets of joy and normalcy and ride those little waves until the next pocket of joy.
Dennis and Sweet Dee are here to help ward off the Dennis and Sweet Dee are here to help ward off the Sunday scaries 🐾 In case you missed it in my stories, these are our newest fosters! (We just decided on names today - I think having to name two slowed us down 🤣) Usually we only have pups for three nights but we had to keep these little pals for an extra week before they’re ready to be adopted. 

Also I PROMISE I am going to record a video/write a post about fostering this week so keep your eyes peeled for that. 

Annnnd last but not least if you’re in the Denver area and looking for a puppy, message me if you want more info on either of these little ones! 🥰
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is still one of my f Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is still one of my favorite movies from the past five years, please don’t judge me 😂🙈 “Hey! You’re Rick f*cking Dalton. Don’t you forget it.” (that line was improvised btw - it was based on something someone told Brad Pitt once when he was struggling 💕 I just love that.)

Print by @rbrunoill
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Fashion · August 17, 2015

The ULTIMATE Guide to Thrift Shopping + $20 Thrift Shop Challenge

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and/or make a purchase, I may earn a few cents at no additional cost to you. Any products gifted by a brand will be marked "c/o." Thanks for helping make this blog possible! <3

Guide-to-thrift-shopping

Happy National Thrift Shop Day!

I have been a pretty frequent thrift shopper since high school but to be honest, when I first started I was always buying t shirts. You know, back when vintage t shirts were THE thing to wear – except I bought so many and so many lame ones. I wasted so much money because I just wasn’t a good thrifter. Stay tuned for the end of this post for my ULTIMATE guide to thrifting!

A few weeks (months?) ago, Denise from Beauty and the Pleats invited us to join her on a thrift store challenge. The challenge was simple – $20, one outfit. You might remember I posted a thrift haul featuring everything I got that day.

dallas-fashion-blogger-valery-brennan-thrift-challenge-2250

dallas-fashion-blogger-valery-brennan-thrift-challenge-2233

dallas-fashion-blogger-valery-brennan-thrift-challenge-2160

dallas-fashion-blogger-valery-brennan-thrift-challenge-2238

My whole look (not including jewelry) was only NINE DOLLARS! Those shoes alone probably cost $50+ on their own, and I’m pretty positive they were brand new.

Head to Toe Cost – $34 | Jumpsuit ($4) | Gianni Bini heels ($5) | Ear cuff (Bauble Bar; $20) | Ring – you can’t see it in most of the photos, but wanted to include it in the outfit total cost (Hobby Lobby; $5) | Lips: NYX Round Case Lipstick in Narcissus (exact here)

Photos are by the IMMENSELY talented Stephanie Drenka.

dallas-fashion-blogger-valery-brennan-thrift-challenge-2200

Unfortunately I didn’t take a photo of this jumpsuit before I tailored it but let’s just say the legs were basically JNCOs. I’m not a huge fan of wide leg pants (I don’t own any culottes…GASP!) so I decided to go ahead and tailor them to fit my personal style – in about thirty minutes I narrowed the legs and added elastic to the bottom. It was a super easy fix, even for someone like me who rarely sews! It took the jumpsuit from SUPER 90s costume looking to something that comes across as vintage inspired (hello lace and button details) but still modern.

dallas-fashion-blogger-valery-brennan-thrift-challenge-2228

On my thrift haul video, I got a lot of “take me thrifting” and “I wish I knew how to thrift” comments, so I decided to go ahead and put together a quick guide for you! So without further ado, here’s my ULTIMATE guide to thrift shopping!

1. Pay attention to condition. It can be tempting to buy something just because it’s pretty and it fits but if it is in bad shape that you can’t fix or clean, DO NOT buy it!

2. Have a few things in mind for what you’re looking for. You might not walk out with them, but it helps to have some kind of guiding factor. It’s easy to get overwhelmed so having something to “look for” makes it less overwhelming and you’ll probably find other goodies in the process.

3. If there are no fitting rooms, don’t try to buy jeans or anything else that has to be a “perfect fit.” Unless you’ve already worn the exact style of the jean before, you probably need to try them on. On a similar note….

4. Wear semi-fitted clothes so you can try on clothes over your existing outfits. Even if the thrift store has dressing rooms, sometimes it’s easier to just throw something on in the middle of the store.

5. Be prepared to look at clothes with new eyes – how can you modify it to make it work? BUT also make sure it’s worth the effort! You don’t want to have to totally rebuild the garment, but if you can make a small change to change the fit, do it! That being said….

6. Don’t buy something you can’t fix. If you don’t know how to sew, don’t buy something with the intention of fixing it “someday” because odds are, you won’t. (Trust me, I’ve been there!)

7. Don’t impulse buy. Just because you find a beautiful sequin shirt doesn’t mean you need it if you already have three. If it’s better than what you already own, plan to pare down your closet to make room for it. Need help cleaning out your closet? I’ve got you taken care of, click here!

8. Know your thrift stores! This is a big one – if you’re in Dallas, Thrift Giant is the jam. For me personally, the Goodwill right by my house is small but ALWAYS has a bomb shoe selection. Know where to go to make the most of your time, and if you don’t know….just ask someone you know who thrifts!

Don’t forget to check out all the awesome blogs below and get inspired! I expect you to report back with all your awesome thrift finds!

xoxo
Valery

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In: Fashion · Tagged: evergreen, Fashion

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Comments

  1. Adaleta Avdic says

    August 19, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Thanks for the tips! & PS your hair is #onseriousfleek and you are amazing for having pink hair. I wish I could pull off purple hair or grey hair or whatever the hell the white hair trend is! xx adaatude.com

  2. Karen Yannacio Morse says

    August 19, 2015 at 5:25 PM

    I really need to figure out the GOOD thrift stores in Cleveland. I am jealous (and impressed) at your $34 total head to toe outfit! Looking so fab!
    xx, Karen
    Glam Karen

  3. Carrie Joy Andreas says

    August 19, 2015 at 6:17 PM

    Love it!! You have an awesome eye (and talent) being able to see something and know you could change it to fit your style. That jumpsuit is adorable with those heels…nice finds!!
    Obviously we are into thrifting since we are repurposers (word??) of vintage jewelry! Those are some great tips!!
    xo
    Carrie
    CS Gems

  4. Briana Anderson says

    August 19, 2015 at 6:27 PM

    Love this post!! I’ve always enjoyed thrifting when I can! But, I’m always unsure how to navigate and look for winners amongst everything in the store! Vintage jewelry is one of my favorites!
    xx Bri
    http://www.Neutral2Neon.com

  5. oldworldnew says

    August 19, 2015 at 9:19 PM

    I love this look, Valery! And I’m obsessed with your hair ☺️ These are great thrifting tips, I agree 100% – especially knowing your thrift stores. Some I know will always have good decor, but no clothes, and vice versa!

  6. Elle Spann says

    August 19, 2015 at 9:47 PM

    i love your comment about american apparel. i literally laughed out loud! Also, you tailored this jumpsuit SO well. Super impressed!

    elle
    Southern Elle Style

  7. Amanda K says

    August 20, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    Wow! I can’t believe you got those shoes for only $5! Great job on tailoring that jumpsuit!

    xx,
    Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com

  8. Darcy says

    August 20, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    $9 for that whole look except jewelry?! Oh my good now that is impressive!! I get excited when I’m like under $50 for a whole outfit haha!
    http://www.amemoryofus.com

  9. Samantha Curtis says

    August 20, 2015 at 1:12 PM

    I cannot believe that entire look was only $9… I’ve been dying for a jumpsuit so I am super jelly! And I never know what to look at first, your eyes, hair, or the outfit! Haha you’re just so pretty <3

  10. Taylor McLemore says

    August 20, 2015 at 8:01 PM

    Girl you are the thrift queen!! I would have never guessed that this entire look(minus the gems) was under $10!!!

    xo
    http://www.styleiseverythingblog.com

  11. Brooke Webb says

    August 21, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    What a great look for an even better price…great job thrifting and such great tips too! I need to do this way more often, you have motivated me to give it a try soon.

    xo,
    Brooke | KBStyled

  12. Shotguns & Seashells says

    August 21, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    You need to come thrift shopping with me…I can never find anything good but that’s also maybe because theres not good spots near me!

  13. Mary K says

    August 21, 2015 at 1:07 PM

    You are amazing my friend! Your photography, your hair, your make-up – always on point! KILLING it! And as Ive said before, I must go thrifting with you!

    Sportsanista

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5 Reasons Why the X Files Rules

I'm an eclectic Denver blogger, embarking on a low-buy journey to break up with bad shopping habits and learn to love what I have. Most of the fashion you'll see here is thrifted, and the beauty is thrifty.

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Smell ya later, 2020. (This is an old photo from Smell ya later, 2020. 

(This is an old photo from this summer when I did my Harley Quinn makeup, but the energy felt right.)

I’ll be honest, I think the first half of 2021 is gonna be brutal but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, babes. We are almost there so stay safe and stay diligent.
I posted an embarrassing photo in my stories so I I posted an embarrassing photo in my stories so I have to balance it by posting a hot one here 😂 Also wow I haven’t posted since HALLOWEEN. I’ve been spending most of my IG time on my candle account, @brennancandleco, but I truly MISS Y’ALL. I formed so many great relationships over the years and I want to get back to that. So you’ll be seeing more of me, probably in a less curated way than you used to. I might lose some of y’all but I hope the ones I call friends will stick around because I really do miss you. 

And lastly, if you ARE into more business-y content from me, follow @brennancandleco, there are some pretty awesome things happening over there if I do say so myself.

Photo by @narirophoto
I may be at home, but I wasn't going to miss out o I may be at home, but I wasn't going to miss out on transforming into Furiosa. 

2020 has been a heck of a year, and I think we're all feeling a bit like we're stuck in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Ready to turn things around and kick our own Immortan Joe to the curb.

Happy Halloween. Stay home.
My latest project: @brennancandleco 🖤 My latest project: @brennancandleco 🖤
Welp I think this negative space mani is my new si Welp I think this negative space mani is my new signature look so prepare to get sick of seeing it in different colors. 💅🏻
Our tomato plants finally started flourishing and Our tomato plants finally started flourishing and thennnnn there was snow in the forecast 🙃 Tomorrow we are supposed to get quite a lot and I’m very cranky about it. Hoping our plants survive but more importantly, I hope the snow puts out the wildfires that seem to be never ending. It’s been a brutal summer for many reasons, but it’s still pretty cool to look at this bowl and know we grew these tomatoes from seeds. Also there’s currently zucchini bread in the oven from our garden ☺️
I am so so so grateful to @crispy.ray for designin I am so so so grateful to @crispy.ray for designing this and putting it on my body, y’all 😍 They are SUCH a talented artist and all around great person. I felt super comfortable and they executed my vision perfectly. 👽 I’ve been a diehard X Files fan since I was a kid (swipe for evidence and a photo of me and Gillian Anderson where I have never felt uglier lmao), so this means a ton.

Re: COVID-19. Truthfully I felt super nervous to get my tattoo and super nervous to post it here. I’ve still been doing my best to stay home but am also (like many of you, I think) struggling mentally. So where is the balance? Honestly I don’t know. I haven’t had a haircut (besides doing it myself), had my nails done, or sat down to eat except for once (and it was a place with no servers). I barely see anyone except my husband. Some days it’s fine and others it’s “how much more of this can I take?” So anyway. I took a risk, but @blackbirdinktattoo was taking everything very seriously. All were masked and sanitized (duh it’s a tattoo place) and I specifically chose a leg tattoo so Christa and I wouldn’t be breathing on each other. I long for the day when things are normal again. I long for the day when I can see my family again. But for now, I’ll try to safely find small pockets of joy and normalcy and ride those little waves until the next pocket of joy.
Dennis and Sweet Dee are here to help ward off the Dennis and Sweet Dee are here to help ward off the Sunday scaries 🐾 In case you missed it in my stories, these are our newest fosters! (We just decided on names today - I think having to name two slowed us down 🤣) Usually we only have pups for three nights but we had to keep these little pals for an extra week before they’re ready to be adopted. 

Also I PROMISE I am going to record a video/write a post about fostering this week so keep your eyes peeled for that. 

Annnnd last but not least if you’re in the Denver area and looking for a puppy, message me if you want more info on either of these little ones! 🥰
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is still one of my f Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is still one of my favorite movies from the past five years, please don’t judge me 😂🙈 “Hey! You’re Rick f*cking Dalton. Don’t you forget it.” (that line was improvised btw - it was based on something someone told Brad Pitt once when he was struggling 💕 I just love that.)

Print by @rbrunoill
Complementary 🧡💙 If you have hooded lids and Complementary 🧡💙 If you have hooded lids and/or you’re scared about mixing colors, this is such an easy way to do it, y’all! Monochromatic on top (I incorporated an orange shimmer but you could keep it super simple and just blend out one shadow), and then a different color on bottom. I was worried the blue would look too heavy on me since my eyes are a bit downturned but I think it turned out just fine! 

I’m using a @shopaltergo palette again here, this one is a dupe for the Natasha Denona Metropolis palette ($129). The Alter Ego palette is a whopping $22….and so far it’s a GEM. I don’t have ND so I can’t compare them directly but I didn’t have any issues with these shadows at all.

Lips are @lagirlcosmetics liner in Keep It Spicy + @flowerbeauty lipstick in Spiced Petal
Brows are eyeshadow and a bar of soap

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