Armani collezioni - Bright fuchsia silk blazer:  $12.99 @ Value Village

It's raining Armani!  I find more of this brand than any other high end one, and I feel certain that just about all of them (certainly the ones I've bought!) have been real.

I was really unsure about this one for several reasons.  For one, it was full price...and I don't like paying over $10 for used clothing!

Another...I hate that colour!  Bright, flashy colors are just not me.

But....I have no blazers in this colour (for the reason above).  I reasoned though, that if I did ever want to wear one, it'd have to be a good one.

Armani?  And silk?  This would be it!

I doubt I'd ever see something like that again, so I had to get it.

I still might return it though...it's missing one button, and it doesn't fit me that well.  Plus, it has a few imperfections, like a little stain (that I hope will come out!), plus some minor pilled areas.

But come on...it's Armani!  It would have been over $1000 new, so even with the flaws, it feels like a deal.

The tag says it was from 2003.  Score!  So it's somewhat modern.

Well, ten years old feels modern to me.  Most of the stuff I find is way older than that!  But they're all classic that still look great today!

Banana Republic - Ruffled black button up halter dress:  $3.50
Alfani - Pleated silk halter top:  $3
Dark fuchsia vintage leather belt:  $2.50
White leather belt with woven gold bucke:  $1

All @ Salvation Army

I almost didn't go to this location on half off day, but I'm glad I did!  It's just so small though, and I was there only a few days before...I didn't see anything good then, so maybe this stuff was recent.

Anyway, the belts caught my eye first.  I love pretty vintage leather belts!  The white one was a no-brainer, what a great price!  The buckle is so gorgeous too.

I wasn't sure about the other one, since it was a pull through belt.  Those normally fit really poorly, always coming off of me.

But to my surprise, this one fit great!  It didn't budge at all!  The leather is really nice and thick too, plus the buckle, though somewhat ordinary from far away, has some nice design elements.

No company name, but it was made in Taiwan.

The dress I ended up getting because it was made out of some material I've never heard of before...lypocell!  I want to have a garment out of every kind of material made.

Plus, I did like the style.  It looks almost exactly like  this brown halter dress I have!

It didn't look perfectly new though, so I had to think about it.  Well, it didn't look used either, and I thought maybe it would look better after a wash.

The silk top I found last.  The style is gorgeous!  All in all a great trip.

Monster high lot of 7 dolls:  $25 for all

From left to right:

-Fearleading Ghoulia

-Fearleading Cleo

-Fearleading Draculara

-Gloom Beach Clawdeen

-Wave 1 Frankie

-Dawn of the dance Cleo

-Wave 1 Draculaura

The only dolls I needed from this lot were the fearleading ones, but since the price was so cheap I was willing to go through the hassle.  I normally drive to pick up these lots, but this time I had to take the bus.  

Some of the dolls were in worse shape than I expected, but I can't complain for the price.  I'm sure I can still make my money back by selling the extras....though I do feel like keeping them all!

I'm in love with that Ghoulia!  Otherwise, I don't know if I would have made the effort...there was so much walking!

Suite... (une marque Chantal Thomass):  $4.20 @ Value Village (RSP:  $130+)

This was my favourite find today!  The fit is great (so sexy and flattering) and I love the design.  It's so nautical!

The bizarre thing is there's no english on this anywhere...and I really don't even know where it was made!  The label is french, but the tag is in Japanese!

In either case, it is good quality.  But that design...that's something else!

There's a slit in the side to loop the belt through.  I love it!

Turns out there is a french designer named Chantal Thomass, so I'm going to assume this is that one!

She makes a lot of pricey lingerie...we're talking $200 bras!

Moschino - Redwall nylon and leather bag:  $3.50 @ Value Village

I couldn't believe it!  Isn't that just amazing?  Right after I found the hanger, I found this purse right across the street!

It's not really my style, but it goes for a surprisingly decent amount on eBay.  I learned that after I found this pouch I passed up last month:

I don't regret passing that up because it was expensive, the materials were crappy, and it had a stain on it.  Plus, it's just an oversized cosmetic bag!  I would have been much more tempted if it had been a purse.

Anyway, from that I learned that this mark always guarantees authenticity:

So when I saw it again today, it was a no-brainer.  Especially since it was half the price, in great condition, and an actual purse!

I had a 30% off pass so it was even cheaper.  It's not my style, but I'll enjoy it for a while, at least.

It's such a tiny purse, even smaller than the orange one!  I also hate the material (nylon)...it just seems out of place (ie super cheap)  for such a high end designer. 

Found something amazing in this trip...more on that in another post!

Moschino:  Shiny chrome gold hanger:  $.15 @ MCC Thrift Shop

This was sure funny (I love the inclusion of the exclamation mark)!  I knew that they sold hangers, but I never looked in that section.  Why would I buy them when I get them free from superstore?

This one caught my eye because it was a chrome gold...plus, someone moved it out of that section.

That might have been enough for me to pick it up, but it's the brand that sold me on it!  How often do you find designer hangers??

Funnily enough, it was even half off.  I think this is the cheapest thing I've ever gotten at a thrift store!

I was hoping that there'd be actual Moschino merchandise in the store, but that wasn't the case  But you won't believe what happened next!

Tommy Hilfiger - Gold button blazer:  $10
Gold metal fish scale belt:  $1.50
BCBGMaxazria - Silk/cotton ruffled sleeveless top:  $3.50 (RSP:  $100)

All @ Salvation Army.

They were having a half off sale, so I just had to go!  I went to the biggest one in my province, even though it was a hassle to get to.

The belt was the first thing I picked up.  I've been looking for a fish scale belt that size!  It's about half the width of the other ones I have.

The blazer was a bit expensive, but the quality was just so fantastic.  There's even an inner pocket!  None of my other blazers have that.

I just thought it was such a well made garment, I had to have it.  I do have something a little bit similar, but I think this is distinct enough.  Besides, I don't have anything else from that brand!

I wasn't sure about the top since it was made in China, and it wasn't that cheap.  I do love that brand though!

When I saw that it was made out of cotton and silk that sealed the deal.  It needs to be worth it!

The other things I've seen from that brand were made out of unimpressive materials, so I didn't think they were worth it.  This one was!

A.B. Mills Pty. Ltd - Stuffed koala made out of genuine kangaroo fur:  $1
Avlon (?) - Realistic stuffed dog:  $.50
Black and white striped long leather clutch:  $3

All @ MCC Thrift Shop.

Today was a half off day.  I was here only two days before and didn't find much, so I almost didn't come back today.  I'm glad I did though!

The purse is what I originally wanted...I didn't have high hopes that it would still be there though, even though I tried to hide it under some uglier purses :P.

It's made in Canada and looks very recent.  I just wish I knew who made it!

Ditto on the dog plush.  It's the most realistic plush I've ever seen!  I actually saw it a few days back and found it interesting, but I don't really need or want any more stuffed animals.

I took this picture of it back then:

After seeing how good it looked, I kind of wished I bought it.  It was only $1!  I said to myself that I'd buy it if it was still there, but I really thought it would have been gone by then.  When I saw it was still there, I ran over and grabbed it!

I saw the koala plush a while later.  I don't know if it was there on the other day, if it was, I didn't notice it!

I ended up buying it because it was made out of kangaroo fur...I thought that was so neat!  I've always wanted a stuffed animal made out of real fur, and the price was sure right.  It even has its original tags!

Atmosphere - Lime green leather jacket:  $10
Seductions - Ruffled yellow long cotton blouse:  $2.50



 Vintage burgundy / wine red cowboy boots:  $5

It took me a long time to decide on this jacket.  I really don't like the colour much, but I've never found one in that shade before!

I do want to have a rainbow of leather jackets, which is why I ended up buying it.  It is fitted and modern, otherwise I definitely wouldn't have bought it.

$10 was pretty high, even at half price.  But that shade...I doubt I'll ever find it again!

The top is from Sirens, but it's surprisingly nice.  Made entirely out of cotton!  I also liked the length and the colour...I don't have too many things in yellow.

The boots were an afterthought.  I forgot to check that section, so I doubled back after paying for the rest.

It had some gross dried grass on it, but I knew that would come off.  Now that it's off I see a lot of white specks, but I think it still looks good overall.

I fell in love with that colour!  It's such a gorgeous deep burgundy, I've never seen that shade of cowboy boots around.

Finding ones that fit me and are reasonably priced is even harder, so I didn't have to think too long for these.

Silver glitter leopard print skull knuckle duster clutch:  $9.50 $5.71 off eBay (RSP:  $20+)

Finally!  I've been trying to win one of these for so long.  I already have one in gold, but it was so nice I wanted one in silver too.

I'm so happy I got it for this price!  It's even less than I paid for the first one, and way lower than it normally goes for on eBay.

Even better - because of eBay bucks, I only paid $5.71!  Sadly, that's the end of the program for Canadians...I don't see why.  Too bad, I got a lot out of it!

Tons of freebies from samplesource!  They really are the best...I even have a 3 month subscription of Canadian Living coming!

Some of the samples are even a very decently sized 60ml!

Grey snakeskin belt with gold filigree heart buckle:  $4
Black snakeskin belt with gold buckle:  $2

Both @ Penny Pincher.

I only had ten minutes left, but I couldn't resist coming here!  I'm glad I did.

The first belt took my breath away...I had to have it!  I was annoyed that it was twice as much as their other belts, but I thought it was still worth it.

I ended up buying the second one to even out the price a bit.  It's the same one I passed on last time...it just seemed like a better deal in comparison!

H&M - Blush pink trench coat:  $6.50 (RSP:  $69.95)

Jones New York - Wool military blazer:  $6.50 (RSP:  $150+)

Both @ Value Village.

I almost didn't go to this location, but I'm glad I did!  I only had an hour left but I didn't want to rush...well, somehow I made it through.

I almost didn't think I'd get anything, but at the very last minute I found these gems!

I was really hesitant about the trench because it's H&M...a cheap mall brand.  I could probably have gotten it on sale new for $20, maybe...I don't really follow their sales.

Anyway, I tried it on and it took my breath away.  It was gorgeous!   Fitted, flared, and flattering...it's a beautiful princess cut.  I found a picture of another blogger wearing it:

It's amazing!  I didn't think H&M had good quality clothes, but this one was so impressive.  Even the lining is gorgeous!  I'll have to pay more attention to them from now on.

I didn't have high hopes for the blazer, but surprisingly, that looked good on too.  I definitely didn't want to pay full price for either (though I might have bought the trench still), so I'm happy with the price I paid.

Sylvanian Families - StoryTellers - Talking bears:  $2.99

Briefcase like brown snakeskin purse:  $3

Takara Licca doll (yay!):  $1.99

All @ Value Village.

I was so happy about the Licca!  I love that doll.  I keep on hoping to find more, they're so darling!  

I was really surprised about the sylvanian families bears.  They weren't even in the toy section!  At first, I didn't even know they were Sylvanians, I just thought they looked neat since I saw their eyes and mouths opened and closed.

Sadly, I can't get them to work!  I'm hoping the batteries were just low, so I'll try again after giving them a charge.  I found a video of them - they're so cute!

They retailed for around $30 each, but sadly, they have no resale value.  But I don't see why, they're adorable!  I hope I can get mine to work!

I bought the purse for the BOGO.  I think it's a neat design, plus it's in good condition.  Moreover, the price was reasonable, so I had to take it home!

Diamond Brand - Plastic cherub mirror:  $5 (RSP:  $25+)

Gathered chiffon halter dress:  $5

Crazy wide rooster (?) belt:  $3.99

Both @ Value Village.

I don't know why they stopped having half off days!  They were having a BOGO sale for club members, but they were so lame about it...the max value was $10, and you could only get 1 item!

So I only bought these two.  They were originally $10 each, so it was worth it, especially since housewares are excluded from half off days.

I actually saw that mirror a few weeks ago!  I really didn't think it would come back, but I'm glad it did.

I passed on it the first time since it definitely wasn't worth $10 (it's plastic, and most of the paint is gone!), but $5 was reasonable to me.  I've seen someone pay $25 for it on eBay, and most sellers ask for around $35!

I definitely want a good quality metal mirror like that, so it'll do until then.

The dress.....gorgeous!  I think someone made it since there aren't any tags, but I just love the design.  It's very cinched at the waist and gathered everywhere else.  It has some sheer accents at the top and the bottom, which is a nice touch.

The belt...it was just so out there!  The materials were nothing special, and the price was more than I wanted to pay...but I just had to have it.  I love unique accessories!

I don't even know what that thing is.  The head looks like a rooster, but it looks kind of off.  Then there are chains coming out of it!  I couldn't pass it up.  

122 Avon items:  $130 for everything

Yep, I went back for more!  Well, they delivered it to me this time, which was great.  I probably wouldn't have bought so much otherwise!

At first I picked around 30 bottles, but when they said they'd give me a lot price, I went all out.  I spent a week looking everywhere online, and bought everything I had even a passing interest in.

There's so much good stuff!  Mostly perfume bottles and jars, but also soap, boxes, and even some jewelry.

I'm glad I bought this lot.  It would have probably taken a lifetime to find this stuff secondhand...and I'm sure some wouldn't have shown up!

The seller included about ten surprises for me, so I was happy about that.  They even included the drawing cherub jewelry dish, which ended up being one of my favourites!  It's just so adorable.

I don't remember seeing it in my search.  Now I wonder if I might have missed something else great!  Avon just made way too much stuff, and there aren't any good resources online to see it all.

Pink bird shaped candle in bird cage shaped candle holder:  $2 @ Dollarama.

I'm trying to buy less dollar store crap, but I really couldn't resist!  I love everything about this.  I just had to take it home.

The colours are all right...pink is what I would have wanted for the bird, and white is an ideal colour for the cage.  The door even opens up!

They had other birds in blue, yellow, and lime green (yick), but I didn't think they looked very good.  They were all bright neonesque colours.

I could never burn that candle though.  The candle holder is nothing without it!  So I'm looking into buying cute little birdies in bulk...let's see how that goes.

Cars reusable bag (RSP:  $3.50)
Kiehl's starter kit (RSP:  $14+)

All free for Earth Day! 

The Kiehl's in particular was really worth going out for.  The moisturizer alone would have been $9!  I'm curious to see how good their products are.  They've been around since the 1800's, so there must be something to that!

I just picked up the bag from the Disney store since I was in the area.  I'm glad I did!  It's a lot better than I thought.  The colours are really great on that bag, and it's just really fun overall.

You had to trade 5 plastic bags for it...I made sure I picked 5 ripped ones.  I do use the good ones for other things, afterall!

DIY frame trays:  $1.40 (price of frame with tax) X 2 + $1.12 (price of wrapping paper with tax) = $3.92 for both.

I'm so glad for my hoarding ways!  In this instance anyway.

I bought these frames maybe 3 years ago...I thought they were pretty, and that I might want to do something with them.

Even though they were from a dollar store (the now defunct 'Everything for a dollar store'), I thought they were pretty good quality.  They are plastic, but not obviously so...they're not flimsy and hollow like a lot of them area.

Plus, the design is gorgeous!  It's decorated with silver roses all around.  Now I wish I bought at least one more...there's no way to get them now!

The wrapping paper was from a dollar store too, I think I bought it from Dollarama 4 or 5 years ago!  I originally bought it as a photo back drop, but I didn't really use it until now.

I love the print!  It's got a bunch of old French ads on it, maybe from the early 1900's.  I love vintage illustrations, I'm glad I picked it up.

I thought I'd prefer the classic mirrored vanity tray, but surprisingly, I think this looks really nice.  I bought about 100 more bottles, so I need more trays!

I like these way better than those vintage ones you see everywhere.

I'm going to have to check out my local dollar stores soon.  I haven't been in them for so long, let alone the frame section!  Who knows what kind of gems might be waiting for me.

Faux leather buckle corset:  $9.99 off eBay (RSP:  $20 - $50+)

I love this thing!  At first it didn't come....I was really disappointed.  They said they would resend, but tons of sellers say that, and nothing ever comes.

To my surprise, this one actually did!  I'm so happy.  I've wanted something like this for a long time, and I paid half price for it!

It was a long wait though.  I won this in January! 

Here it is actually worn on someone:

I think it works.  Now I want one in red!

15 x 30mm screw on spikes:  $1.29 / $2.10 (Highest:  $8)

25 x 13mm screw on spikes:  $2.06 (BIN:  $6.50)

15 x 29mm screw on spikes:  $1.81 (BIN:  $7.50)

50 18mm round studs:  $1.06 (BIN:  $3.50)

100 x 9.5mm screw on spikes:  $2.32 (Highest:  $16.50)

15 x 20mm screw on spikes:  $1.45 (Highest:  $8.50)

All off eBay.

I kind of wish I paid less for a lot of these.  If I just waited, I could have gotten most of them for around a dollar!

Oh well.  It was still a lot less than I would have paid anywhere else.

It takes so long to DIY though...I don't think I'll be doing them for a while.  I bought all of these for specific purses!

1970's Mattel Barbie - Malibu PJ doll:  $.50 @ Penny Pincher
Vesaro - Pale gold leather belt:  $2 @ Penny Pincher

Since I was in the area, I went to Penny Pincher.  I love that store!  They price toys really cheap, and sometimes they're vintage.  They were half off today, but even a dollar would have been decent.

She came with two dresses and a jacket, all of them were pretty neat.  All in all, a great deal for $.50.

I have her redressed here.  Well, she did come with that dress, but nothing else shown in the picture.

I thought she might have been worth something since she was made in Japan, but she's not worth much...which is alright, since I bought her to keep.  For that price, why not!

The belt was an afterthought.  I love gold leather, and I like how the clasp looks like a wing.  $2 was reasonable, not insanely cheap, but I liked it enough to buy it even then.

Surprisingly, I passed up a snakeskin belt!  I've been looking for one of those!  It just wasn't cheap enough for me, and I found the design boring, even though it was somewhat unique.

It was in good condition though.  Maybe I should have gotten it!

Silver hanging spike bra:  $2.50 @ Sirens (RSP:  $18)

Had a full day today!  A free lunch and a free fitness seminar at a mall.

The bra was the only one there!  The last time I went it was $10, and they had a lot left.  It was on the $5 rack but wasn't marked down, so I decided to ask anyway.

She said $5 since that was the rack I found it on, but since there were two rows of spikes missing, I decided to see if I could get a discount.

I was expecting 10% off like last time, I was so happy when she gave it to me for half price!

Of course, I only bought it because it still looks good.  If it was really noticeable I wouldn't have wanted it even at that price!

Only one left, my size, and that cheap...I took it as a sign.

I also got this reusable bag from Kin's farm market, which was practically free...if you don't include the $.25 I paid for an orange:

I have a ton of reusable bags, but this one ranks up there!  I really love the colours, it's so bright and fun.  Plus, the design is pretty nice.

18 Avon bottles:  $34 for all

Hooray!  Thanks to a local collector, I got just about all of the bottles I wanted.

I never knew how adorable these bottles were!  When I found out, I wanted to buy them online...they were cheap enough, but shipping was always killer.  I posted a local ad hoping someone would reply, and thankfully they did!

The caterpillar bottle was free because one of the antennas broke off.

I originally wanted bottles to hold my perfume samples in, so I was only looking for small bottles.  To my surprise, most of these are huge!  I really didn't expect that, they looked so small and dainty in the photos.  Only the ones in the last picture are small enough for what I want.

Well, the second ones are ok, but it'll take a while to get enough to fill them.  They're twice as big as the ones in the third picture.

The first picture...forget about it!  They're regular size perfume bottles, some are even over 100ml!  But they were so pretty I had to have them.  I'm sure I'll find some use for them.

Actually, there were a ton of cute, tiny, bottles that would have worked great for what I wanted, but I didn't think they were worth $2 each.

They were just cut glass, they weren't very distinct.  Plus, they were so tiny, they only held around 5ml!

The ones above were unique, so I thought they were worth it even though they were small.

If the seller decides to sell the other tiny ones in reasonably priced lots, I'll come back for them!  I'm looking to pay about $.50 each for those ones.

It was a huge hassle to come get these, but it was worth it in the end.  Beats paying $20 (or more!) in shipping!

All of my pretties together:

On my makeshift tray.  It looks better than I thought, but it's a little small.  It'll do for now!

I'm tempted to buy some more (even doubles of some of the more awesome ones...I'm looking at you, snail!), but it was just such a huge hassle.  Plus, the seller already gave me a great deal on the bigger ones, I don't want to push my luck.

Crochet neck peplum dress (RSP:  $14 - $28)

Peach floral lace detailing peplum dress (RSP:  $13.50 - $27)

$22.50 for both @ Sirens.

I've loved that peach dress ever since I laid eyes on it!  Which was only about a month ago, I was surprised it went on clearance so soon!

Most of time, the stuff I see on sale isn't something I saw for regular price previously.  So when I saw this for a reasonable price, I just had to get it!

Ditto on the other dress.  I was in love with that neckline, I wanted a piece of clothing with it desperately!  It looks like this:

I normally like paying $10 or less for dresses from Sirens, but these were must haves.  I didn't know if they would go any lower (since I was surprised to see them on sale as it was!), so I decided to just buy them.

But this time I'll be smart and keep the receipt.  I'll just return them if I find them cheaper elsewhere.  Go me!

Rainbow hair fake Takara Jenny doll:  $2 @ MCC Thrift Shop

I actually saw this on Wednesday and wanted to buy it, but stupidly, I had no cash!

They had a $5 minimum for credit card, and even though I looked for a very long time, I couldn't find anything else I wanted.

When I saw she was still here, it felt like a sign!  I had cash this time so she's finally mine.

She's pretty good quality for a knockoff.  Her face is exactly the same as Takara Jenny's!

Another shocker - they started charging tax!  That sucks. 

Monster High - Dead Tired Cleo doll:  $1.99 @ Value Village.

Ironically, this was the first used monster high doll I ever found!  Stupidly, I paid $5.99 for her, and she was missing a hand....I might sell this one, but she has better hair so I'm not sure.

I can't sell the other one.  I put a skeleton arm in her and now it's too loose for a regular arm!

Concepts - Gold full grain leather purse with Lion head crest (made in Canada):  $2.99

Purple suede purse:  $2.50 (RP:  $4.99)

H.K. Haven - ('for style & comfort!') Bronze ruched leather box purse:  $2.49 (RP:  $4.99)

All @ Salvation Army.

Hooray, another BOGO month!  Stupidly, I could only use one coupon, even though it doesn't say that on the coupon.  I've been able to use two in the past so I'm annoyed I couldn't this time.  Hopefully the other ones won't be so stingy.

The gold one was a no brainer!  I'm a sucker for gold leather and gold hardware, not to mention animal heads!  It is pretty marked up on the inside, but at least it still looks good on the outside.  Even though I couldn't use a second coupon, I thought this was worth the price.

I actually wasn't sure about the box purse.  It's kind of misshapened, and I'm not too crazy about purses that are longer than they are wide.

In the end, I thought it was really interesting (being cheap didn't hurt either!), and it was pretty old, so I took it home.

I don't know why, but I really loved the purple purse!  I thought it was simple and classy, but the bold colours made it really stand out.

I thought the suede was real, and the leather looked like it could be, but it wasn't.  Now I'm not sure if the suede was real since the leather wasn't...it is made in China afterall.

I still think it could be, but either way, it's pretty good quality if it is fake.  

In any case, I can't complain for $2.50, no tax!

Striped peplum dress:  $5 @ Urban Behavior (RSP:  $24)

My friend actually picked this up for me!  I asked her to buy it for me if she didn't want it, and for some reason she didn't....I don't know why, I think this dress is awesome!

I really like the sleeve and collar detailing, plus the belt is neat too. 

I would have preferred a larger size, but I'm ok with it for the price.  This dress is still $12 at Sirens!  Huge difference.

Even more of a difference....this dress is $60 here! 

I'm convinced it's the same one, the style and belt match exactly!