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!

Velvet purse:  $9.99
Snakeskin wristlet:  $3.99

Both @ Value Village

I hate paying full price, but these seemed worth it.  The velvet bag reminded me of a Birkin, and the leather is really luxurious.  It has a little bit of wear on the edges, but it doesn't look like it was used very much.

The snake skin wristlet on the other hand, is completely unused!  The front pouch is even lockable.

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!

Snakeskin/leather skull clutch DIY:  $6.50 (clutch) + $3 (skins) = $9.50

I didn't have enough snakeskin to cover the whole thing, and I thought it would look weird to just do it at the front.  I wish it was perfectly centered, but other than that I really like the look.

I cut up this purse to make it:

I was never really fond of that purse, but I only got it because it was snakeskin, and it was pretty much free.  I definitely wanted the purse below, and I would have paid the same price if I just bought that alone...so why not.

I just didn't really like the shape, plus I prefer chain straps.  It's also a bit too small to be practical.  But anyway, I'm glad I have it now since I was able to make an awesome clutch with it!

I switched the eyes and gem from another clutch I made.  I had to damage the stone a bit to get it out, but things look way better with this colour combination. 

I just wish they didn't varnish the snakeskin...you can't even tell it's real since you can't feel the scales! 

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+!

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.

Solar dancing devil:  $1.25 @ Dollar tree

Bag of toys:  $1.99 @ Value Village

Impo - White snakeskin/leather clutch:  $7.99 @ Value Village

I don't normally go to dollar tree, but I had a paid shopping interview so I went there today.  That was great!  It was easy money just for having to walk around and share my opinion about their products.

I didn't think I'd buy anything there, but this devil caught my eye.  I can normally pass up on solar toys, but some of them are just must haves -- this is one of them!  For the price, why not.  Found an animated stock picture of it:

Since I was in the area, I of course had to go to Value Village too.  First I found this bag of toys:

I thought the sheep were from some anime.  They were cute, but I mainly bought them because they're the exact same style as these one piece figures I love.  

Anyway, turns out it's from a Chinese cartoon called "Gentle goat and big big wolf."  Such a strange name!  The internet says that show is as big as the Simpsons, which seems shocking.  You'd think I would have heard of it in that case!

 I actually found the set on ebay for $110!  Turns out they came with a bunch of robots to sit in...which I definitely wouldn't have expected:

 

Also had to get patch because of my recent lalaloopsy kick.  I've seen him for $60 new on ebay!  People have actually paid $15 for him in this condition, which surprised me.  I didn't know any of them were more-than-retail collectible.

I wasn't sure about the clutch, but I just love my snakeskin.  The design looks great in theory, but holding it, I found it kind of plain.

I bought it because it was in completely pristine condition!  That's really rare.  So rare, I just can't pass them up when the opportunity presents itself!

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!

La Belle Montreal - Brown snakeskin purse:  $2.50

High fashion Italy - Woven leather purse:  $2.50

Mother of pearl plastic clutch:  $4

All @ Value Village

This was a total surprise!  I didn't expect to find anything good (pursewise) at this location, but I found all three at the very end of the rack.  The mother of pearl one was actually hidden, I had to untangle a bunch to see it.

All of them look unused, plus they were surprisingly cheap.  

I'm happiest about the mother of pearl one, it's way bigger than my other ones, and it's so beautiful!

Eta (Etra') - Black leather rounded edge gold frame purse:  $4.99
Brown leather turnlock purse:  $5.99
Blue and white strip belt with floral  closure:  $.99
Doppia Vita  - Navy blue leather belt with gold lion heads:  $9.99

All @ Value Village

I was in the area, so I just had to check it out.  I've found a lot of good stuff in the past, so I was expecting more of it.  I wasn't disappointed!  I guess people in this area don't have the same taste I do...too bad it's so far away!

The purses were reasonably priced, but the belt was such a ripoff!  I'm annoyed, but I paid it anyway.  This is such a unique belt, I've never seen anything like this, and I'll probably never see one again.

It's huge and heavy!  The head fits in the palm of my hand:

It helped that it was real leather and made in Italy.  If it was just a no-name belt, that would have stung even more!

This was probably expensive.  I see some people asking over $100 for used ones that aren't half as good as this one!

Silver snakeskin flap purse with gold lion clasp DIY - total price:  $1.99 (purse) + $.34 (lion head) = $2.33

I'm really happy with how this turned out!  I love how it looks now.  At first I wasn't crazy about it at all - I didn't like the shape and I thought it was just so plain.

The strap just perfects everything!  I took it from this purse, but it looks way better on this one.

I did this one a while ago, I just never got around to blogging about it until now.

Guess jeans (RSP:  $100+ each):  $1 each
Dorothy Korby - Vintage ruffled button up shirt:  $1
Financial planning books (RSP:  $24.95 each):  free
Genuine crocodile skin (yes!) purse with retractable handle:  $3

All from a garage sale held at a Christian school.

Places like these remind me how much of a ripoff most thrift stores are!  I don't normally go to garage sales since most of them are disappointing, but since this one was nearby (and presumably good sized) I decided to go.

I wasn't disappointed!  My favourite find was the crocodile skin purse, it was the first thing I picked up:

All of the clothes were in piles, it was such a hassle to go through!  Now I know how people  at those outlet centers feel.  I was so slow about it too!

The jeans were nice and looked pretty new, plus, I like Guess.  I thought they would fit me, but sadly, they don't!  I'm sure they will once I lose the weight though, so I'll keep them in storage for now.

The shirt...it was true vintage, and I normally like lacy ruffled things.  But it wasn't as great when I tried it on at home.

The place had no mirrors, that was another downside!  But since it all went to a good cause (and it was super cheap!) I didn't mind so much.

I spent $6 total....that would have been the price of the purse alone at a thrift store, and that's only if I luck out and they price it cheap!

The books were kind of an oddity.  They had piles of them on their doorstep!  They were all new, I wonder if the author has kids that go to that school....or something...

Urban Behavior leather collection - tan leather jacket:  $9.99 (RSP:  $100+)
Round quilted gold chain snakeskin purse:  $6.99
Talbots - Periwinkle blue leather purse:  $8.99 (RSP:  $60+)

All @ Value Village.

I hate this location!  They always charge so much.  There was another snakeskin clutch I was considering, but I'll only buy it if it's around on half off day.

The other purses were way more than I wanted to pay, but I just couldn't leave them behind.

Recently, I've really wanted to find a quilted snakeskin purse!  So I just couldn't pass it up once I finally found one.

It's really small, but it's such great quality.  The rest of the purse is made out of a nice leather, including the lining.  I would have preferred to pay $5 or less though, considering the size.

Looking around the net, similar quilted purses of that size go for at least $100 new, so I guess it wasn't so bad overall.

The Talbots one is very similar to the Ann Taylor one I bought a while back!  That one was cheaper, and actually a little bigger than this one.

Other than that, the design is practically the same, down to the compartments on the inside!  I'm convinced they were made at the same factory.

$9 was kind of a ripoff, but I bought it because I really liked the colour, and it looked completely unused.  It's rare to find a leather purse that shade...and it's perfect for spring!

The coat was a huge surprise.  I didn't find anything wrong with it, so I have no idea why it was priced so low!

I actually considered waiting until it was half price, but I'm glad I came to my senses.  All of my other Urban Behavior leather were this price or more at half off!

It's actually the same design as the black one I have...that one cost more than this one, and it was 30% off when I got it!

Fuchsia snakeskin purse with gold lion clasp DIY - total price:  $4.70 (purse including tax) + $.34 (lion head) = $5.04

I love this!  The purse was amazing quality and looked new, but it was sort of plain.  The lion head brings everything together, it just looks so good!

It's not exactly a clasp of course, but it looks that way from afar.  I grappled with several other placements before finally deciding on this one.

Can't wait to do more DIY's!  I just need to pick up some reliable super glue before I can start on my next projects.

I'm so glad I picked up all of those plain, but otherwise amazing bags in the past.  They're going to look phenomenal when I'm done with them!

Buti Super Oscar (strange name!) - Crocodile leather purse:  $5.99 @ Value Village

What a gorgeous purse!  I actually came to this area because I thought one of the stores was having a half off sale, but it's actually next week.  I might come back again, just because I love thrifting!

I bought this because I thought it might be genuine crocodile skin.  I love exotic skins!  I've never found one before so it's been on my wish list forever.
 

It's definitely leather, but I don't know if it's crocodile.  It seems unlikely, most would stamp it as such if that were the case (but still, sometimes not?).  It's probably just a good embossed leather.

Either way, it's beautiful, and I'm so happy I got it!  It's even lined with a soft supple leather, this is a great quality purse.  Even the cashier commented on it!

Based on the closure, I think it's probably from the 70's.  But it's in great condition, it looks practically new!  Score!

I found out there's an Italian bag company named Buti (in cursive too, but a little different), I wonder if they're the same.

If it's them (which is what I'm leaning towards), it was definitely a deal, since their bags retail for $300+!

Vintage brown textured shell lucite purse:  $5
Patent leather embossed crocodile texture purse:  $5
Ruched khaki blouse w/off shoulder cuffs:  $3

All @ Value Village.

Great haul from this one!  My heart skipped a beat when I saw that plastic purse...I love those!  I hardly see them.  

There wasn't a tag on this one, but I found one on the floor where the purse was (...which was also on the floor).  It was pretty pricey, so I thought it was right.  

Luckily they didn't give me any hassles about it, though they probably would have if the price were more reasonably priced.

The other purse wasn't that exciting, I passed it up when I saw it at full price.  I didn't realize it was real leather at that time though.  I don't have many patent leather bags so it was a no-brainer.

I also liked the style..it had two front flaps, which I hadn't seen before.

I actually wonder if it might be real crocodile skin now!  I was doing research (for another bag, ironically) and I noticed that this one has what looks to be pores all over.

Still, it needs a little extra oomph.  I'm planning on studding the front..that would make it an awesome addition to my wardrobe!

I loved the design of the khaki blouse, so I took it home even though it was pilled a little bit.  Sadly, it doesn't look great on me, but I'm hoping it'll look better after I lose some weight.