Have yourself a very fashion forward Christmas

Merry boxing week to all, here's a Christmas gift haul!

Woah! Look at those bangles! Can you say.... a word to describe them?!

This hand party was given to me by my darling friend Rachel! Thanks pal!

Also! Glitter nails provided by Santa!

The peacock feather ring is definitely a new favorite in the Marlaena collection.

Next up! We have an unbelievably gorgeous pearl collar given to me by my beautiful, elegant, could be mistaken for Cleopatra, friend Hannah!

Don't be so modest dear girl!

This number is such an amazing vintage find. I tip my chapeau and flamboyantly bow in her general direction for the extremely thoughtful gift (how the hell did she not keep this for herself?)

The little slice below is something truly kooky, delightful and utterly fabulous. No I don't mean me, but thank you. I'm talking about the bendy headband/neck mustache!

The choices: wallflower bunny, charming 1900's comedian and murderous housekeeper.

These looks were provided by Michelle! Thanks grrrrrl!

Last but CERTAINLY not least we have....

....Drumroll please...

duh-duh-duh-duh.....

ZUT ALORS!!

Well if it isn't the beautiful rare alpaca fur coat from before! Best mom ever!

Negative side effects of this coat include being mistaken a yeti and being shot.

This was a most wonderful Christmas, thanks to everyone for the great gifts!

Have a great boxing week and remember: Middle of the first week in January, mid- day, at a mall that's just the right amount of stores that no one really likes to go to because of the geriatrics and glue sniffing teenagers

Happy hunting! 

-Marlaena a.k.a The Poor Little Thrift Girl

Was going for Fonzie, came out as Rick Moranis in Ghostbusters

What exactly DOES love got to do with it?

Today I'd like to talk a little about the value of clothing and what it means to me.

You see ladies and germs, while antiquing with my darling friend Kristina, I noticed this gorgeous little number right here:

Humina humina humina....

Needless to say, it was love at first sight.

However, as much as you love something, there are a few things you need to examine.

1. How much is it worth to me?

When I first looked at this coat without knowing the price, I thought to myself "since I'm still Christmas shopping and the sleeves are just a little too short, I would be over the top in love with this coat (since it's vintage and good condition,) for let's say $85"

Unfortunately, it was this

Boooooooooo.....

Now I know what you're thinking, "Marlaena, this is quite reasonable for a coat this fabulous"

I reply "yes, for giant wine gobleted yuppies who would have no interest in this coat and rich kids who pay good money to look poor,"

Like it says in the banner: I'm broke (although it is oke')

The simple fact is, you should only pay as much as the item is worth to you.  To me, a white tank top is not worth $25 at garage, it's worth $4 at VV.

Although, we do have something else to consider

2. Does it look fucking awesome?!?!

YES.

Crud....

This is when shit get's real.

I truly love this coat, however, at least for right now,  it's not worth the money.

Whatever you do.... don't cry out loud....

But wait!

I have also decided that if I'm still thinking about this coat after Christmas (which isn't a crazy possibility considering the fact that I'm writing this post two days after the event,) I will most likely cave and make a purchase.

It's like the old saying goes:

But it's soooooooo cute!

And hey, if it's not there, then it wasn't in the stars and it will simply be the coat that got away.

Also! My outfit that day was entitled:

Walking Indian fusion restaurant decor...

Man I feel like butter chicken

Til' next time sweeties! And remember: You only pay what it's worth to you!

-Marlaena a.k.a The Poor Little Thrift Girl

Mama like...

A thrifty inspiration: I love to singa

I think this outfit just proves that leopard print and awesome colors make everything better.

The same goes for bows.

  Adorable? Yes. Hungry? Always. Financially responsible? Nuh uh.

 

 

Today's look includes a most wonderful hand-me down leopard print scarf from my mother, a coffee colored mini blazer from vv, hand-me down dress from, once again, dear old mama, azure stockings  and vintage cadet grey pointed kitten heels from decadence (vintage store on whyte.)

It's somewhat inspired from the 1936 Tex Avery cartoon I Love To Singa, in which an Al Jolson-esque owl or "Owl Jolson" as he's called, is the disappointment to his uptight, classical music playing, owl family since he wants to sing jazz (we all know that's the devil's music.)

A song and dance maverick.

This leads me to my first thrift tip!

*See the potential in everything.

 

To be perfectly honest, when I first got this scarf I had no idea what to do with it the only thing I knew was I loved material. So with a little mirror consulting and constant experimenting, I came up with a look I truly love! The tip is to look for patterns and textures first and worry about the other junk like sizing and prices later.

 

Nonchalant at it's absolute best.

 

 Let everything inspire you! You can wear whatever you want! If you want to work an 8 hour shift as a singing and dancing cartoon owl, by all means go ahead!

Now that I have brought you to tears with my words, lets share some laughs with the actual clip

Ta-ta my pretties! Keep treasure hunting and remember: Whatever suits your boots!

-Marlaena a.k.a The Poor Little Thrift Girl

Hollywood... hollywood kiiiid...

 

Today's look: Bo Ho Alice in Wonderland and Sailor Princess Hybrid

The other day while attempting to Christmas shop at VV (not the best idea, especially when you're the fashion equivalent of a homeless crackhead,) I couldn't help but notice this delectable little number hanging ever so innocently in the dress section.

Did I mention it comes with pockets?!

*Sigh* When it's meant to be, it's meant to be...

This dress is worn with a '2 for 1 Sale'  tomato red cardigan with hand me down bristre brown tights and vintage penny loafers from vv.

If we look down, we'll notice that this look also includes a darling hand me down cameo locket and pearl earrings from my fabulous grandmother.

(Purple lipstick? Let's get another point on the board!)

Thanks so so much for reading my first outfit post!

More to come!

-Marlaena a.k.a The Poor Little Thrift Girl

(Maybe someday she'll be a real princess)

 

And so it begins....

Hello world! The Internet and myself have decided the give birth... to a blog...

Welcome to Poor Little Thrift Girl.

As someone who absolutely adores fashion, I would like nothing more than to come home at the end of the day and write about how my shopping spree at Holt Renfrew went, a behind the scenes look at at Marc Jacobs and my personal interview with Anna Wintour, but alas, like many a poor girl living in Edmonton, Alberta, I haven't any status or a penny to my name.

I'm sure you're asking yourself "Marlaena, is it possible to be fabulous even if you can only go to thrift stores and most of your meals come from dumpsters?"

I reply, "You betcha!"

As a certified treasure hunter I'm here to share with you my infinite wisdom of thrifting, bargain bins, 2 for 1's, hand me downs and just plain stealing from people (note: you don't actually have to steal from people)

Here is just a sampling of some of my thrifted looks

I call this look: Electric Librarian

Glasses: Fake glasses on sale at costume store
Scarf: Value Village
Necklace: On sale at Ten Thousands Villages (non profit organization)
T-shirt: Value Village
Cardigan: Borrowed from mom
Skirt: Value Village

This look is entitled: School girl on acid

Mini cape: Ladies Fashions Consignment Store
Vintage 50's pearl and rhinestone collar (that's right): My grandmothers
Sweater vest: Value Village
Floral Dress: Robes and Relics consignment store

Frackin' Rad. No other way to put it. A freakin' drag queen ok'd this outfit.

Shirt: My fabulous aunt
Belt: Value Village
Pants: Second Suit consignment in Vancouver
Socks: Christmas present
Ridiculous Amazing Shoes: Value Village

Love child of Marlene Dietrich and nameless disco dancer... Boomski...

Turban with vintage clip on earring for pizazz (+1 fabulous): Divine (vintage store.)
Necklace: Gift from friend
Dress: VV (value village)
Bangle: Ten Thousand Villages
Tights: On sale at Suzy Shier
Shoes: VV

So yeah... I feel like I got cred.

I'm really just hoping to have fun sharing my poor person experiences with you all, like: "today I bought an amazing vintage fur coat at VV, but then my debit card got rejected at subway after trying to buy a $3 sandwich and I had to sleep at a friend's house because I didn't have enough bus fare."

Yeah... kind of a true story....

I sincerely hope you enjoy.

Til next time sweeties,

-Marlaena, a.k.a The Poor Little Thrift Girl.