Thrifty Throwbacks and a "New" Secondhand Romper

Head to Toe: Romper, River Island (thrifted) // Bag, Elephant's Trunk Flea Market // Sneakers, Puma

As you may know, most of my closet is made up of secondhand clothing. I thrifted this jumper at Mongers Market in Bridgeport this weekend. Not that I don't enjoy a good TJ Maxx shopping spree as much as the next girl, but I love getting more bang for my buck. Many of my followers expressed interest in getting some more tips about the method to thrifting madness. I'm working on a new post, but in the meantime, I wanted to provide a little reading material. I just did a story about the state of secondhand in Connecticut for Connecticut Magazine, where you can get advice from storeowners themselves.

I also posted my 10 Thrift Tips a few years back. (Okay it was 2013, and now I feel 1,000 years old.) In my new post, I'm planning on talking about shopping Goodwill versus high-end consignment shops and including some of my favorite places to buy secondhand in the greater NYC area. Anything else you want to know? Tell me in the comments!

Photos by Chris Loynd

Summer Neutrals With White Paper Bag Waist Pants

Head to Toe: Tank, Marshall's // Pants, Mavi Denim // Bag, Brahmin // Flats, Delman // Necklace, vintage (found at Elephant's Trunk flea market)

As you already know, I'm big on color and pattern. Even living in New York City for several years couldn't turn me into an all-black type of dresser. So, you can imagine how much restraint it took to style this neutral outfit. But I love the outcome! Of course, I had to sneak in hot pink lipstick. What do you think, are you a neutral dresser or a bright babe, like me? Happy weekend, fashionistas!

Thrifted Straw Bag With DIY Pom Poms

Head to Toe: T-Shirt, Feel Great Goods // Jeans, Juicy Couture (thrifted) // Wedges, EMU // Bag, thrifted

One of my favorite things about the straw bag trend is how easily thrift-able it is. Stop in any secondhand store and you're sure to find one. I nabbed this one for a few bucks in one of my favorite Upper West Side haunts, Unique Boutique. I DIY'd the pom pom tassels. All you need is yarn and one these handy pom pom makers. Pair with jeans and a tee—how can you go wrong? Here's to getting over the hump of this week.

Easy Aldi Baja Shrimp Tacos

Earlier this week, I posted a question on Instagram stories asking friends what they wanted to see more of on the blog. Food/recipes was one a common ask, so I've been pondering how to go about it. I'm no food blogger, and I don't often follow a real recipe. Typically what I do is find something that looks good on Pinterest and then put my own spin on it.

So instead of creating a typical recipe, I thought I'd start by sharing some easy meal hacks. I started shopping at Aldi this year, and it has saved a ton of money. I was inspired by this recipe for Baja Tofu Tacos that I found on Pinterest. I decided to make Sean's with shrimp...Full disclosure: I actually don't eat seafood, but I've been starting to make some meals for hubs that don't require much handling on my part.

For those of you who do like seafood, this is super easy to execute for about $10 at Aldi. (I couldn't find tofu, so I actually made mine with a piece of breaded chicken.) Okay, so here's my non-recipe recipe:

Easy Aldi Baja Shrimp Tacos

Shopping list:

• Frozen breaded butterfly shrimp (can also get coconut shrimp)
• Southwest chopped salad kit
• Flour tortillas (or if you're a corn person, do that)
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime

Method:

1. Cook shrimp according to package directions.
2. While it's baking, prep the "slaw." Grab a few handfuls of the chopped salad and mix with juice of 1/2 lime. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Make the dressing by mixing a few scoops of sour cream with a shake of garlic powder, chili powder and salt. 
4. Once the shrimp is cooked, cut off the tails. Assemble the tacos by layering shrimp, slaw, and sour cream dressing. Top with sriracha, cilantro, and sliced avocado. If you figure out how to make pretty avocado slices, please call me. 

Pro tip: Use the rest of the salad kit for lunch the next day. Mix up the chopped salad with tortilla and dressing and top with your leftover protein. Or, if you're feeling lazy, just use the chipotle ranch dressing in the kit instead of making your own sour cream dressing. 

Okay, so there you have it! My first non-recipe recipe. Let me know what you think. Happy taco Tuesday everyday!

Being A Pineapple In a Yellow Blouse

Head to Toe: Blouse, Anthropologie (thrifted) // Jeans, GAP (thrifted) // Sandals, Cambiani // Tote, Feel Great Goods

Be a pineapple: Stand tall, wear a crown, be sweet on the inside. I'm loving this mantra and my new Pineapple eco tote from Feel Great Goods. Connecticut recently banned plastic bags so I've been carrying a tote everywhere to have an easy place to stash unexpected purchases. Plus, its super cute so double win.

The bright yellow tied in perfectly with this new blouse I scored at Goodwill in Westport. (It's the best around, if you're local.) It was new with the tags from Anthropologie, so I was excited for the $8 find. Only thing is, these ties are a horrible pain, but the sleeves are so adorable I'll call it a wash. I finished this look with one of my favorite Vera Wang sunnies, which I forgot I had until recently. Isn't that the best feeling?

Photos by Chris Loynd

Red Gingham Dress With Statement Sleeves

Head to Toe: Dress, Thrifted (similar) // Bag, J.McLaughlin (similar) // Sandals, Cambiani 

For me, nothing kickstarts Monday like a good outfit. I was super excited to wear this Who What Wear dress I nabbed at Goodwill over the weekend. I tried it on for Sean and said, "I am aware I look like a giant tablecloth and I love it." To which he replied, "It looks nice." He's a smart hubby.

I also like to kickstart Monday by working out of my Dad's office, and we were lucky enough to get in a good walk by the water before the storms started. I also dodged the rain long enough to go grocery shopping without getting soaked and recovered an earring I thought I'd lost. Sorry for the mundane details, but it's of all the little things that can add up to a good day. These would be good tidbits to write in my gratitude journal, which I am considering taking up. Do you keep one? Let me start with this: I'm thankful for you, dear readers! XOXO, Gossip Girl Annie. 

 Photos by Chris Loynd

Overalls, a Dad Hat, and my Ugly Fitbit

Head to Toe: Overalls, Marshall's // Hat, NYC vendor // Shoes, Sebago

I wore this outfit last week for "casual Monday." Because when you're a freelancer everyday can be casual, and this is actually pretty "dressed" compared to my typical leggings/T-shirt combo. One accessory that is too casual, in my opinion, is my black Fitbit band. I always try to remember to take my it off for blog photos but forgot for these. In general, I wish there was a more attractive way to wear it. I just ordered this cuff on Amazon for a slightly more attractive option, but I have to admit I'm not jazzed about it.

I was bummed because I was in a wedding last weekend and did all the steps on the dance floor, but couldn't wear my clunky fitness tracker. (And if you're not wearing your tracker, did the steps even exist?) I'm toying with the idea of sewing some kind of pouch into my underwear, or finding a chic way to wrap a silk scarf around it. Or should I just embrace the 2019 and stop being so bothered by the little black band? Tell me, do you wear a tracker? And if so, how do you rock it?

 Photos by Chris Loynd

A Very Summer Tie-Dye Set

Head to Toe: Top and skirt made by Cynthia Loynd // Sandals, Teva

If you've been following this blog for a while, you already know my mom is a very talented seamstress. She made me this soft, swingy skirt for summer and I am in love. She had extra fabric so made a matching tank, as well. I love these two paired as a set but plan to wear them on their own, too. The skirt would look great with a white tank, and the tank with high-waist denim shorts.

As a freelancer, I don't leave the house much, so I was excited for an opportunity to attend a local concert on the beach last night and enjoy the gorgeous evening with a friend. Hot summer nights are what make life worth living, amiright? Tomorrow, Sean and I are headed to our family's cabin in central Pennsylvania, and I can't wait to breath in that fresh mountain air. What are your weekend plans?

A Very New England Summer Outfit

Head to Toe: Dress, Shoshanna // Jacket, thrifted // Shoes, Sebago // Hat, Adrienne Vittadini

June is possibly when New England is in peak charm. (I'll probably say that again in October, sorry.) My dad snapped these photos during our weekly co-work lunch break dog walk. This muggy, overcast day with so many boats in the background is giving me all the feels. Mainly, gratitude for having such pretty scenery within reach. I mean, give me a lobster lobstah roll and a Boston accent and this may as well be Cape Cod. Here's to a summer of muggy days, straw hats and white dresses.

Photos by Chris Loynd