Heart shaped leopard print glasses:  $1.06 (Highest:  $8.50)

Gold starfish cuff:  $.99 (BIN:  $3.55+)
Gold leaf necklace:  $.91 

Lucite rose ring:  $1.45 

All off eBay.

It took a surprising amount of time to win those leopard heart glasses!  Of course, after I won it, a bunch of them went for way lower than I paid. 

I'm pretty happy about the starfish cuff.  It's such a neat idea, and it looks great on!  I'll probably wear it to the beach or something.

Translucent glasses with gold rose details:  $2.98

9K gold filled dolphin ring:  $1.56 (Highest:  $5.50)

Peacock broach:  $.41 (Highest:  $2.52)

18K gold snake ring:  $.50 (Highest:  $1.50)

14K gold filled zebra ring:  $.86 (Highest:  $6.09)

All off eBay.

The glasses were a buy it now, but I thought the price was reasonable enough.  These are dolce and gabbana knockoffs, but I'm not sure if the originals ever came in this colour.

The rings...I just love animal jewelry.  The section is a headache to navigate around though, so I haven't bought as many as I'd like.

Adventure time - Jake skater dress:  $7 $5 off Aliexpress (RSP:  $12+)

This is a knockoff of the blackmilk dress.  They sure have a lot of neat stuff!  Unlike the swimsuits though, this one has a very noticeable difference -- the print is huge!  About 4 times bigger.

It still looks ok.  The design is still the same and all, so I'm happy enough with it.  The original was around $100!  I don't know why that seems to be their average price point.

I bought their bodycon dress from another seller, so let's see how that one goes.

*edit*

The seller gave me a small partial refund.  I'm totally satisfied with that!  

Pink polka dot corset:  $5.06 (BIN:  $13.99+)

Mesh snake belt:  $1.25 (BIN:  $4.08+)

Multicolour gem necklace:  $1.66 (BIN:  $4.99+)

Gold rabbit wrap around ring:  $.99 (BIN:  $1.99)

14K gold filled wolf ring:  $1.12 (Highest:  $4.02)

All off eBay.

I already have a gold mesh snake belt, but this one looked a bit different so I wanted to get it too.  To my surprise...it's so much lighter than my vintage one!  Probably about 1/4 the weight.

For the price, I'm not surprised.  A lot of the vintage ones go for $20+!  I had seen some costume ones that looked the same for around $10 new, but I think they're probably lighter like these ones.

I just found out that the gem necklace is a dupe of J. Crew's jewel encrusted necklace, except in different colours:

I don't think J.Crew has anything made in China, but this looks exactly the same to me!  I've read that some people say that these ones are the same quality as the real thing...so I really don't see why there's such a huge markup for costume jewelry.

Floral corset:  $5.50 (BIN:  $14.29+)

Plaid underbust corset:  $3.75 (BIN:  $11.49+)

"J.Crew" faux pearl bubble bib necklace:  $3.26 (Highest:  $10.50)

Green gem necklace:  $1.95 (Highest:  $3.30)

Green gem snake necklace:  $2.25 (Highest:  $8.09)

Three finger snake ring: $1.06 (Highest:  $3.61)

Horse and pumpkin carriage ring:  $1.06 (BIN:  $2.45)

All off eBay.

I probably shouldn't buy any more corsets, but I really didn't think they'd go that cheap.  I don't have any like these ones anyway!

I'm really happy about that bubble bib necklace.  I've been trying to win it for about a year! 

My Little Pony - RC Scootaloo (teehee) scooter with controller:  $2.50 @ Value Village

I actually saw this once before, but I passed on it because it had a lot of wear...and because it didn't have the controller.

That's actually the norm.  This is the first time I've seen one of these RC toys packaged with its controller!  The retail price is $20+, and since this looked new, it was just a no-brainer.  Here's the promo picture:

That one came with a pony, but of course I wouldn't have wanted it anyway.  I have a ton of my own ponies I could put in there.

This one's from 2008.  Turns out they have a bunch of them out!  They didn't have any when I was actively collecting, but now I have two...both from the same location!  The first one was new in box though.

Also got a Sylvanian families Timbertop bear...it's in pretty worn condition, but still adorable nonetheless.

Hettemarks of Sweden - Red wool coat:  $11.25
Eelskin purse:  $4.50

Both @ Value Village

I had another coupon, so I hit up another store.  I'm always on the lookout for great quality coats, and this one fits the bill!  The tailoring is impeccable.

I'm sure it's from the 60's, and it still looks new today!  The style is timeless.  I'm sure I could wear this forever, assuming it fits me for that length of time.

Two people complimented me when I was trying it on!  The only problem is, it sort of has a chest compressing effect when I'm wearing it.  But the silhouette is really gorgeous otherwise, and you can tell it's quality right away.

The company's actually still around!  They even have a website, but stupidly, they don't have any prices listed.  Which usually means they're expensive.  I looked around, and found some newer ones listed at around $500!  They've been around since 1944...that's longevity! 

As for the purse, I actually bought it for the skin.  That's over my price limit for purses I just want to cut up, but this one's a lot bigger than the ones I normally find.

I ended up just cutting up the one I already have.  I think I'll just use this purse instead...it's a lot roomier than the other eelskin purses I normally find, and the design is better too.

Aspeed Designs - Burgundy silk strapless dress with crystal bustline:  $9.75 (RSP:  $12.99 - $280+)

I had a 25% off pass so I decided to take a look.  The place was packed today, so there were probably other people doing the same thing!

I'm surprised I came away with so little.  I'm just glad I found something at all!  This dress needs to be taken in a little, but I thought it was still worth it regardless.  The bustline is gorgeous, and the dress is just wonderful quality overall.

Ideal Tammy doll:  $.99 @ Salvation Army

I don't go here too often, since it's so small and my expectations are low.  They don't usually have that many toys, but surprisingly, I have found some decent things here so far.

I just can't pass up dolls from the 60's, especially when they're this cheap!  I think this is actually Tammy's sister Pepper.  Her head is pretty discoloured, but I think she'll still clean up ok.  

One thing about her...she has great hair!  It's a neat style and it's totally stuck like that.  

I've heard of these dolls before, but I've never found one until now.  I like them.  They remind me of Sindy, so it was no surprise that Sindy was actually inspired by this line! 

Lion knuckle ring:  $.99 (BIN:  $3.29)

3D bronze unicorn ring:  $.99 (Highest:  $1.45)

Gold face ring:  $.99 

Bronze mouse ring:  $.92

Gold lion ring:  $.91

Two finger rhinestone leopard ring:  $.99 (Highest:  $1.54)

Carousel necklace:  $1.23 (Highest:  $8.69)

All off eBay.

Surprisingly, a lot of these were buy it nows!  I'm surprised...the prices were so reasonable.  Auction pricing was about the same for a lot of them, so there was no reason not to wait.

I was most excited about that lion knuckle ring - it looks a lot like a McQueen handle!  I wanted it to make a purse with.  I think it looks a little big and clunky for its intended use, but it would look great on a clutch!

Pearl deer necklace:  $3.25 (BIN:  $9.29)

Gold 7 dwarfs double ring:  $1.04 (BIN:  $6.79)

Rhinestone zebra double ring:  $.99 (Highest:  $3)

Rhinestone panda ring:  $.99 (Highest:  $2.95)

All off eBay.

I'm really happy about that deer necklace.  The seller stopped listing them shortly after, and I definitely wouldn't have paid full price for it.  

I just wish I found out about it sooner...some people got it as low as a $1!  I love the design though, so I don't mind paying a bit more for it.

The seven dwarfs ring seemed like such a cool and novel idea, but it does look a little dumb on.  I'll probably use it as a handle for a purse.  

It's actually a knockoff of this disney couture ring:

That one retailed for $60!  I'm sure the details are finer, but I'm happy with mine.  It still looks pretty good.

Wonder Woman and Superman swimsuits:  $5.99 each (RSP:  $9.99+ each)

Both off Aliexpress

Since the Batman one worked out so well, I decided to get these ones too.  It wasn't from the same seller, but it was the same great price!

These are knockoffs of the blackmilk version as well.  That one retails for around $100, but it does include a cape.  I'm happy enough with what I got, especially for the price!

Barbie bike:  $1.04 (BIN:  $4.99+)

Pink Kelly bike:  $.66/ (BIN:  $5.28)

Blue Kelly bike:  $.35 (BIN:  $5.28)

H&M Mirrored floral bodycon dress:  $5.75 (RSP:  $11.50 - $35)

H&M Anna Dello Russo turquoise choker:  $2.66 (RSP:  $8.99 - $49.95)

PS Vita case:  $4.15

PS Vita aluminum cover:  $2.20 (BIN:  $6.09+)

Gold snake chain necklace:  $5.50 (Highest:  $13.50)

Red belt:  $.44 (BIN:  $5.05)

Black flower belt:  $1.04 (BIN:  $4.69)

Black studded bow belt:  $1.27 (BIN:  $4.99)

Gold skeleton hands necklace:  $1.20 (Highest:  $3.25)

Multi lion head necklace:  $1.29 (BIN:  $3.99)

Multi leopard head necklace:  $1.04 (Highest:  $5.50)

Silver snake chain necklace:  $5.06 (Highest:  15)

Bronze leopard head necklace:  $.99 (BIN:  $3.55)

Silver leopard head necklace:  $1.06 (BIN:  $3.55)

Leopard tassel necklace:  $1.06 (Highest:  $4.87)

Purple crystal necklace:  $.99 (BIN:  $4.99)

Green crystal necklace:  $1.29 (BIN:  $4.99)

Cat rings:  $.91 (black) $.99 (silver) $1.01 (gold)

All off eBay.

They all came this month, but I put off writing about them until now.  

The H&M stuff are the highlights.  I actually didn't even know they were H&M when I bought them, I just really liked the designs!  They're not H&M branded, but I think they're probably made from the same factory. 

Also really happy about the snake chain necklaces.  I found a bunch of buy it now's for around $10, but I didn't want to pay that much.  Later on I started seeing them on auction, so I'm happy I was able to get them for about half the price.

I just kind of wish I waited it out, since some people were able to get them under $4!   I really love that huge statement necklace look.  I'm hoping to get some even bigger ones, but I'll see if any of them ever go on auction first.

Burgundy eelskin skull clutch DIY:  $4.40 (frame) + $1 (eelskin clutch) = $5.40

I wasn't sure how this would turn out, but I think it ended up pretty great.  I wasn't too fond of the original purse, but I couldn't pass it up for a dollar.  This is how it used to look like:

I studded the front a while back, and still didn't like it that much.  After my last two projects, I was just itching to have more exotic skin skull clutches!  I had to cut the front flap off and make some other adjustments to get it to fit this frame.  

Now I only have one more that I could make, but I'm not sure which type I want to use it on.  I hope I find some more cheap skins soon!

I ended up switching out the eyes for real pearls, and also swapping the crystal:

Much better!

Beige eelskin skull clutch DIY:  free

Completely free!  I got the clutch free from amazon with my swagbucks, and I got the eelskin clutch free from a program I was in.  It used to look like this:

I wasn't crazy at all about it back then, but none of the other bags were good either.  I just hate flat, floppy, purses, but I do like exotic skins, which is why I chose it.

I knew I was never going to use it, so I decided to incorporate it into something I would use!  

It was a bit better than my first try, but I wish I could get the edges smoother.  Still, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  Even the knockoffs made from these kind of materials cost $300+!

Freebies from a mall.  They were having a fitness challenge...same as last year.  Still, a nice gesture!

The pedometer is actually better this year.  The screen is at the top!  It's so convenient, since all you  need to do is look down.  The other ones are forward facing so it takes a bit more effort.

Costco 9 grain buns:  free (RSP:  $5.49)

Blue snakeskin purse:  $2

Vintage mouse cheese plate:  $2 

All @ Penny Pincher

I kind of like this thrift store!  The prices are almost always reasonable, and sometimes I find great stuff there.  But not too often.  At least today was different.

The first thing I picked up was that cheese plate. I thought it was so neat and kitsch!  It says "Don't tell pussycat" and it has a shushing mouse coming out of it...I might have even paid more for it, but there were no second thoughts at that price.

The snakeskin purse has a really basic design.  I wouldn't use it as is.  I only bought it because it was cheap enough to cut up, and the skin was still in near perfect condition.  I already used it to make another skull clutch:

Not perfect, but I'm pretty satisfied for my first time.  I have extra frames to customize, so here's hoping I find more cheap skins!

The buns were a nice surprise.  Turns out it was customer appreciation day, and everyone got a bag of bread with purchase.  I've never seen any other store do that!  It's a nice gesture.

It wasn't even expired either!  Well, it was short dated, but still.  Two days is a bit of time, plus bread lasts for pretty long in the freezer.

Gold fish scale belt with filigree bow buckle:  $1 @ Bibles for missions

This was just too good to pass up!  I'll have to resize it though, it's huge.

I think this is only my second or third time coming here.  It just doesn't seem very good!  Stock doesn't seem like it moves fast, and the stuff they do have just seems kind of old and worn. 

This one was a no-brainer though.  I just love that bow!  Gold fish scales too...it's a winning combination.

ZenB by Zenobia Bawa - NWT Olive green silk halter dress:  $4 (RSP:  $225+)

La Regale - Vintage glass beaded purse:  $2.50

Seduction - Ruffled floral dress:  $3

Beaded sleeveless top:  $3

Forever 21 -  Ruffled floral tank:  $3

All @ Value Village

I almost didn't come here today.  But I did, since I remembered that I almost always find great stuff when I make an effort to go!  This one's a bit farther away than the other ones I go to though, which is why I was hesitant.

 

 The black top doesn't look like much, but it has a beautiful beaded design on it:

It's really great quality.  It even zips up from the bottom!  I wonder who the maker was.

Close up of the beaded purse:

Like I said, I'm all about the beads lately!  Beaded purses are pretty common second hand, but none of them have ever caught my eye until now.

I just liked the colours on this one...and the design.  Plus, the fact that the beads are made of glass..it just feels exquisite to touch.  

Also, the chord is made of metal.  Most of the ones I've seen just use nylon.  I don't want any of the cheap quality ones, but I wouldn't mind more like this one!

The floral things are cheap mall quality, but I just really liked them.  $3 seemed like an alright price for them.

1986 Takara Licca car:  $2.99 @ Value Village

Boy was I surprised to see this!  I love Licca, so I just had to pick this up (my two above were thrifted too, of course!).  Otherwise...I wouldn't have given it a second thought.  It is pretty crappy quality.

All of the parts are molded plastic...and all one mold.  It's not realistic at all!  There aren't even any seats...it's just flat inside.  I'm surprised they bothered to include a steering wheel.  Of course, nothing opens either.

Even the tires suck!  Most cheap cars at least have decent looking tires.  These ones are just half tires, they're hollow on the other side!

This company charges more than mattel, so I'm sure this was around $30...but the quality just doesn't even compare.  Even Barbie's worst cars are better than this!

I couldn't find any info on it in english, but I saw it on this Japanese site.  Turns out it's from "Licca's Mcdonalds shop drive through playset":

Strange how they have a boy doll driving Licca's car.  That's just a sticker by the way.  Told you it was crappy quality!  It doesn't even have a windshield..

Besides it being Licca, I really only bought it for the novelty of having a car with the steering wheel on that side.  That's probably not going to happen again!

Also, the scale.  She is smaller than Barbie, and I don't really see cars this size.  I don't think it's really in scale to her though, which is bizarre.  The windshield should be head level!  

The overall length seems ok though.  Cute for her size. 

Well, despite all of its flaws, it still seemed like a decent deal for three bucks.  Even just for the novelty of it!

That's why I love thrifting...you just never know what you're going to find.

Ursula of Switzerland - Beaded shoulder pink chiffon dress:  $5 @ Value Village (RSP:  ~$300)

I've never really cared that much for beading before, but lately I've had a change of heart.  Which is probably why I've been finding so many beautiful pieces!

I think I might shorten this to modernize it.  I already have a really similar pink chiffon dress, except that other one isn't beaded.

The company is actually still around.  Good for them!  I think my dress might be from the 70's or 80's.

Alyce Designs - Beaded silk bustier top:  $4 @ Value Village (RSP:  ~$400+)

This is the biggest one near me, so I was surprised I walked away with just this!  I almost went away completely empty handed, but I went to this section on a whim.

At first I was just attracted to the pretty beaded details.  The fact that it turned out to be silk was an added bonus!

I've seen their beaded top/skirt sets go for $800+, so I'm assuming this would be worth half that.  In any case, it's beautiful quality and I'm happy to have it.

Hooray for free comic book day!  My mom went and gave me her bag.  This year my store included fun toys, which was a really nice surprise.  That space invaders "stress invader" retailed for around $10!  

My brother got a plastic ring, which wasn't very exciting.  I wonder what the other bags contained?

Pinkie Cooper basic doll:  $7.99 @ Winners (RSP:  $14.99+)

I passed up this doll last time, but when I saw there was only one left...I couldn't resist!  There were three last time.  I was hoping to buy this when it was marked down, but that wasn't going to happen at that store.

Now I only need Ginger Jones to complete my set!  I doubt that my location will get any more in, so hopefully I'll be able to find her at another Winners.

Actually, I guess there's a slim chance I could find her at my local one!  When I went today, I saw a Pinkie Cooper pet.  It wasn't there last time, so maybe they do get some of the same stock more than once.

That one was $5...totally not worth it.  I'd rather pay $3 more and have a doll instead!  The set that comes with a pet was only $10, so half that for just a pet seems overpriced.

Pink and beige sweater dresses:  3 for $5 @ Sirens (RSP:  $19 each)

I gave the third one to my mom (it was also beige).  Their buy 1 get 2 free sale was going on, but these were the only items in this price range.  I don't know why I didn't see them before!

What a steal!  Who doesn't need sweaters?  And these are my favourite length.  I just wish they had more colours!

I also wish I sized down.  These are a lot bigger than they look! 

Batman swimsuit:  $5.99 off Aliexpress (RSP:  $10+)

This is actually a knockoff of the blackmilk version, which retails for about $100!  That one comes with a snazzy cape though:

 

I actually thought this one came with a cape too (that's what the title suggested!), but for the price I paid, I'm ok with it.

It honestly doesn't look that great on the rack...the colours are a bit faded.  But once you put it on, it looks amazing!  Just as good as the original.

Except this one doesn't have the blackmilk logo on the back.  It actually looks better that way!  I've already ordered the superman and wonder woman ones for the same price.  They're all about $10+ on eBay, so they're almost half price at aliexpress!