Eelskin bag:  $1.99
Harlequin Notables "Virgin with butterflies" pocket journal:  $2.99 (RSP:  $8.95)
Bag of doll furniture:  $1.99
Skinny snake skin belt:  $1.99

All @ Value Village

I'm not sure what that first thing is supposed to be.  It looks like a big pencil case, or maybe it's a makeup bag.  It looks completely new on the outside, but the inside is a gross sticky vinyl...I didn't notice back then, but I still would have bought it.

This is what was in the bag of doll furniture:

None of the furniture have any markings, so I thought it all could be unbranded.  But it is pretty good quality for a generic.

Turns out the bow chairs are Barbie!  That's surprisingly...I thought they stamped everything.  Maybe they've stopped.  It came from this 2013 Glam vacation house:

So it's possible the others are Barbie too.

That trunk is also a closet, it has two working drawers inside!  Can't beat all of that for two bucks.

They had a bunch of neat vintage Harlequin romance cover stationery today, but I thought it was all pretty overpriced.  $2.99 for one small notebook...normally they put a few in for this price, and they had a ton of them here!

Thought that was pretty unreasonable, but I liked this cover enough to get it.  They also had telephone books for $5..there was no way I was going to pay that.  Here's a better picture of it:

They had one memo pad for $2, but that didn't seem worth it either.  It didn't have a hardcover, unlike this one.

I looked online, and mine was the best cover.  I'm glad that one was there at least.

Eelskin purse:  $6.99 @ Value Village

The style is plain, and I do see it quite often...but it's always in pretty used condition.  This looked almost pristine, so I had to get it!

I don't like paying full price, but I thought theirs was surprisingly reasonable.  I'm happy with my purchase!

Bag of doll furniture:  $2.10
Eelskin boston bag:  $4.90
Silver clutch:  $5.60
Snakeskin clutch:  $5.60

All @ Value Village

Such a great haul today!  This location is usually overpriced, so this was a nice surprise.  Especially since I had a 30% off coupon from another location that was closing down.

The bottom two purses look nearly brand new, so I was happy about that.  The top one shows signs of use, but it still looks really great.  I loved the colour and everything, plus the price was right.

I actually saw the exact same bag in black a week or so ago.  I liked the style and everything then, but that one looked used.  Plus, it was around $10, and I didn't want to pay that.  This colour is way better anyway, so I'm glad it worked out.

I also saw a tan eelskin bag that looked almost exactly like this one, except it didn't have that tab in the middle:

It looked brand new, but I just didn't like the style.  On closer inspection, I also saw a cut in the leather near the bottom, so I'm glad I didn't buy it.  It only would have been $5.60 though.

Leather of the sea - Lilac eelskin clutch:  $4.89 @ Value Village

It was 30% off day, which was great for me since I was already going out this day.  I found so much great stuff, but this was the only thing I bought.

I only really want stuff that's like new now.  This one has some signs of wear, but not much.  The biggest problem is the fading!  The back looks completely brand new, but the front is faded in comparison.  It's really obvious when you lift up the flap, since the covered areas are still vibrant as well!

But the shade was so gorgeous, I just had to get it.  It has a neat kind of ombre effect.

I'm not sure if I'll leave it as is, or use the skin to make a skull clutch.  It'd look great either way!

I passed on a huge leather J.Crew bag for $10.50....the condition was pretty great, but not brand new.  It had a few scuffs, and it probably retailed for over $300.

The problem was the design.  It had a drawstring closure, and a magnet in the middle to hold it together.  Well, that's not enough for me!  I was worried that stuff might fall out, so I left it behind.

I also saw a Dooney and Burke crossbody for $7.  The condition was decent, but I left it behind because I think the design is kind of ugly.

I also found a gold version of this purse I already have!  I almost wanted to buy that, but it was just too used looking for me.  The gold panther was pretty scratched up and it was stained on the inside.

Plus, I'm probably going to just take the decal from my old one and put it on a good quality leather bag...so it seemed pointless to get that one too.

If it was in better condition, I probably would have gotten it.  It looked great in that colour!  But the wear would bother me up close.

I have seen them sell for online for $40 - $100 though!  Not this exact purse, but Nima purses with gold felines on them.  This is the one that sold for $100:

I'd love to find that one!  It's even better than the leopard one I have in that style.

Brown snakeskin/eelskin bag:  $3.50

Ingledew's - Purple snakeskin bag:  $4

Both @ Value Village

I actually bought this for the skin, but later on I noticed...these are pretty neat designs!  I think I might just keep them as is.  I rarely see skins that aren't plain...I've never seen a snakeskin/eelskin mix bag before!

Funky colours like this purple one are even rare.  I normally only see them in drab colours.

They're not in mint condition, but they're pretty usable.  The purple one actually looks perfect on the outside, but it's peeling on the inside.

As for the brown one, it has some general wear all over, but the back has some spots that are somewhat bad.  The flap is almost mint though, and the rest of the front is ok.

I guess I'll clean them up and see how much better they look.  But right now, I'm thinking it would be a shame to customize them.  Especially the bottom one!  The shape is neat., it'd be a shame to lose that.

I'm glad I went back to the purse section, because they must have just put that purple purse out!  I would have missed it otherwise, which would be a shame..it's one of the best ones I've seen!

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.

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+!

Electric blue eel skin purse (RP:  $1.99)

Vintage Japanese ceramic kissing couple on bench (RP:  $1.99)

$1.99 for both @ Salvation Army

I love that BOGO coupon!  I just wish I went to more this month.  

I initially just wanted that eel skin purse, but since I had a coupon, I got the other thing I was slightly interested in.  I just have a weakness for vintage Japanese ceramics...they're always so cute.  For that price, why not!

"I love you" is even inscribed on the bench.  Awwww!

Cameo pantyhose (RSP:  $6)

Tan eelskin purse

Lia Sophia - NWT "Empire" 2010 Gold jeweled bracelet (RSP:  $130(!))

Lia Sophia - NWT "Dynasty" 2012 Silver collar necklace (RSP:  $142(!))

Joan & David - Black patent flats (RSP:  $180)

La Senza - NWT Fuchsia silk slip (RSP:  $40)

Completely Me by Liz Lange - NWT Fuchsia maxi dress (RSP:  $64)

All at that same place.  I was so surprised to find out how much that jewelry cost!  It's higher quality than most costume jewelry, but not by much.  I would have guessed maybe $30 would have been a more reasonable regular price.  You could get jewelry made out of high quality materials for that price!  Found a stock picture of the necklace:

Everything in the last picture was an extra.  They had a few racks outside the store with extra things anyone could take home.  I ended up getting some pink hangers, they were just too cute!

Burgundy eelskin purse:  $4

Big snakeskin purse:  $4

Bag of dolls:  $2

All @ Talize.

It was half off day - of course I had to go!  Last time I didn't find much, but it was a different story this time.

I normally like more structured bags, but since these ones were bigger I didn't mind.  

The styles were somewhat simple, but since the materials were so luxe I had to pick them up.  Especially the snakeskin bag, it was a steal for one that huge!\

Also bought a bag of dolls.  I only bought it for the nude Liv doll, but it turns out the wig belongs to a moxie teen doll...those are kind of crappy quality.  

I wish it was a Liv wig, but at least the girl is the last character I needed to complete my set.  There was also a flight attendant suit that I thought was sort of neat, though it is on a cheapo doll.

*edit*

Turns out the snakeskin purse is actually embossed leather.  It took me a while to realize that!

Bag of 10 vintage dolls:  $5.99
Ruched eelskin purse:  $12.99

Both @ Value Village.

Argh, I don't know why I go to Value Village on non-sale days!  Their pricing is just ludicrous.

I actually came to the area because I was hoping a $1 sale was going on at Kim's Village, but it was only half off.  It's small and cramped so I don't really like going there just to browse, but I didn't want the trip to be a complete waste.

The bag was in excellent condition, otherwise I'd be really loathe to buy it!  I still thought it was ridiculous, but I just really loved that purse.  I've seen a ton of eelskin purses now, but I'm such a sucker for ruching...and it's navy, which isn't a colour I have a lot of.

I thought I might return it if I changed my mind, but it's way too pretty not to keep!  It looks great on too.

I wasn't sure about the dolls either, but decided to get them anyway.  I knew they had no resale value, but I've never seen dolls this old before....and this cheap, considering it's Value Village!

I'm glad I bought it.  I've always been curious about celluloid dolls, and I think there are at least 4 of them in this bag.  The flimsy ones are so precious, I love them!  There's also a bisque baby in there but I find that one pretty ugly. 

The one with feathers swayed me the most.  I like the look and feel of old things so I'm happy with what I got in this lot.  There's such a difference between them and the things produced now, it's nice to have a bit of nostalgia.

Their little molded hair and sleep eyes are so sweet, plus a lot of them are smaller dolls, which I prefer.  Some of them are at least 80 years old!

Farouche by Lori Weidner - NWT Embroidered light olive green skirt set:  $5
Lewa - leather portfolio/briefcase:  $4
Red eelskin clutch:  $1

All @ MCC Thrift Store.

I'm glad I came in!  I haven't been here in a while, but the turnaround isn't that great.  Normally the items aren't super high quality either, so I was surprised by what I found.

The Weidner suit was here for around a month, but I didn't want to pay full price for it.  Even just seeing it on the rack, I wasn't that fond of it.

I tried it on a whim - it was gorgeous!  The fit is amazing, like it was made for me.  I decided the second it was on me, it's that beautiful!  The shoulder pads will have to come out though.

The briefcase is great quality and still looks excellent.  I don't know if I'll ever use it, but that's a risk I'm willing to take for the price I paid.

I'm not that crazy about the eelskin clutch, but come on....I couldn't pass up an eelskin clutch for $1!

Barda Vancouver - eelskin bag:  $4.99

Gianfranco Ferre studio - Brown skirt suit:  $7.50

Both @ Talize.

Another half off day.  I almost didn't go because I'm recovering from some bad sunburns...but I just can't resist sale days!

It's just too bad not everything was on sale...only three colours were.  Most of the things I liked ended up being non-sale items.

The eelskin bag being one of them...but it was so reasonably priced to begin with I picked it up anyway.  Argh, forgot to use my student discount!

The suit was half off, but still kind of pricey.  I picked it up because it was great quality - made in Italy, nicely fitted, and looked brand new!

Sophisticate - Pink suit w/lace accents:  $5.60

Comet - Red eelskin chain strap purse:  $4.90

Capprino - Gold leather purse:  $5.60

All @ Value Village.

I'm glad I went here!  I was initially just going to go to one of them, but I decided to come here since I had the time.  Even though VV has horrendous prices, they do seem to get the best stuff...and the prices are somewhat reasonable on sales days.

It took me a while to decide on the purses, since they were visibly used.  The eelskin one wasn't so bad, so I decided to get it right away.

The leather one was worse!  There were visible scuffs, but worse, the lining had to be repaired!  I asked for a discount but they said they couldn't since it just came out today.  I bought it anyway since I love gold leather...I've been looking so long for a nice gold leather purse.

There were actually two suits I was considering, both of them pink!  

This one as a no-brainer!  The design was gorgeous...I love the lace and all of those pretty buttons.  Not too fond of the top half, so I'll be customizing it later on.  The price was just what I wanted to pay!

The other one would have been $14, which just didn't seem worth it.  It's a common pleated skirt/gold button blazer combo, but they were both so fitted and lovely.

The light pink colour was just so dated though...nobody wears that anymore!  In the end, it was just the price that stopped me...I would have snatched it up if it was less than $10!

Trussardi - Leather tote bag:  $4.90  (RSP:  $1000!)
Ivana (Trump) - Book purse:  $2.80
Eelskin change purse:  $1.40 (RSP:  $12..at least on eBay)

All @ Value Village.

I just have to go when it's a 30% off day, even though the deals still don't end up being that great.  I'm glad I did!

I knew the leather tote was great quality when I picked it up, but I never would have guess it retailed for that much.  It's too bad the resale value is significantly less...I'd be lucky to get $100 for it!  Seem like they don't really sell on eBay.

That's ok.  That's why I only buy stuff that I actually want for me....I loved the little dog clasp.  It's circular like an ouroboros.

I'm a sucker for neat purses so I had to buy the book one!  Even though it has a cord strap...I hate those, they look so cheap.

I'm also not that fond of the material, but it's ok for this purse.  I love the embroidery and the overall design.

I did some research and someone claims it was made for the shopping channel, and it was sold with her perfume...you can get these purses new on eBay for $16!

Funnily enough, I saw it AGAIN at the Salvation Army later that day!  Same price too (before the discount), but that one was in slightly better condition.  If it were cheaper, I'd probably have gotten it to make my own "library."

The eelskin change purse was the one I previously bragged about leaving behind.  It just felt so nice, and it was on sale...

Versace-esque crocodile leather purse:  $4

Eelskin purse:  $5 $4 - I found a loonie in there later that night :P

Both @ Value Village.

I was overjoyed when I found the eelskin!  I love exotic leathers.  I've seen a lot of eelskin purses thus far, but none of them were that exciting.  Or cheap.  

I was actually hoping to get one at Talize now that it was half price, but it wasn't there.  Oh well.  I liked the design, but there was some noticeable damage on the front...I didn't think it was worth the ten bucks they were asking.

But this one was just right!  I love the shell like design and it's still in great condition.  Now I'm just hoping for more in other designs/colours.

A somewhat better picture of the other purse:

I took a long time to decide on this one!  I thought it was kind of gaudy, and it was some no name bag that looked like a Versace knockoff.

It wasn't even leather!  That was the real clincher.  To stop my closet from overflowing, I decided to only buy purses that were made from leather, or were just really interesting.

In the store I thought to myself that I would definitely pick it up if it were leather....which is when I noticed that the strip at the front was!  So that sold me, even though the rest of it isn't.

I just thought it was a neat design.  Actually, it would look perfect if the bottom half was gone.  I really like the emblem at the front:

At least it was cheap.  There was another one that was kind of similar, was actual leather, but had really ugly head emblems and was all gold...I decided to pass.  Someone picked it up right after!

On closer inspection, the strap wasn't made out of leather, but the purse sure falls into the other category:  it is interesting enough!

This is the first time I've found money in a purse.  A couple of times I found garbage, what a turnoff.

*edit*

Turns out that other purse is made out of leather!  Just not the really great quality kind that you can immediately tell as such.  Oh well, still a deal!

The shape still bothers me though...too bad it wasn't just a rectangle.  I might steal that emblem for a better purse!