Pinterest Inspired Thrifting

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Before I go to Salvation Army (or any thrift store), I like to search Pinterest for current specific trends and outfit ideas. I usually create a Pinterest Board, and then I venture off to the thrift store with these items in mind.

My most recent trip to Salvation Army was a success! I spent about $28 during their 50% off sale and purchased 10 items!


THRIFTY Finds10This lace pencil skirt is Forever 21!


THRIFTY FindsThis sweater from Salvation Army is Banana Republic. It features a slight high-low style, with frontal pockets, and  two different knits on the front and back.


THRIFTY Finds2This might have been the biggest steal of the day! It had the ORIGINAL Nordstrom tag for $89.99 still on it, but was purchased for just $2.50. The brand is a vintage Jeffrey & Dara and therefore can no longer be purchased in retail stores.


THRIFTY Finds3Most people are familiar with the classic Burberry plaid, but its high price is a quick deterrence. This plaid shirt is actually a MEN's shirt, but it has a similar eye-catching plaid pattern with its tan-red-and-black color scheme.


THRIFTY Finds4Free People is pretty notorious for its flowy oversized and worn-looking tee's and sweaters. When this high-low oversized sweater was found in the plus-size* section at Salvation Army, I saw so much potential in it. By belting it mid-waist, it creates an A-line fit.

(I starred plus-size because I want to encourage you to PAY NO ATTENTION TO SIZE NUMBERS or SECTIONS while shopping at thrift stores. Don't let a number throw you off, some items at second-hand stores are so vintage that they may have shrunk, may have been tailored, or can vary in fit depending on brand. Try EVERYTHING on and wear what fits and looks right.)


THRIFTY Finds5Tribal, Aztec, Southwestern – these diverse ethnic prints have risen in popularity for long enough that they aren't considered a fading trend.  This sweater is a great find because of its beautiful multi-colored pattern.


THRIFTY Finds6Army green and studded anything are two trends that are popular apart from each other, but combining them together in ONE LOOK is even better!


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"Overall, I had a great day" -- My favorite thing to say every time I wear a great pair of overalls.

This overall dress is a rare find. It is a vintage look that may not be popular with everyone, but I proudly admit to owning about 6 pairs of overalls all together. They're so comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear!


THRIFTY Finds8Waterfall cardigans are great because they can be thrown over almost any outfit to transform it from something simple to something styled. They are flowy and are perfect for those days you just want to cover-up a little more. This one I purchased is Forever21 brand!


THRIFTY Finds9So, not everyone loves the "School Girl" look, but it can definitely be classy when worn right. I love this Pinterest-inspired outfit. I've been looking for the right plaid jumper for a while, but they are hard to come by. I lucked out when I finally found this one. The cashier checking out my items even complimented my find.


All together, I was very satisfied with my purchases. After only spending 28.38 on ten items, each one averaged out to $2.84!

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The Young Women's Conference You Must Attend For 2015

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On April 10-12, The Church of Rockford First hosted an event called Original Women's Conference where nearly 2,000 ladies were in attendance. This three day span of time was jam-packed with several sessions centered around God's Ever & Always kind of love.

Enjoy this brief recap video as seen on the Original Conference website.

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Top Buttons had the honor of bringing a fun and dynamic team of ladies to this conference.

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After a long morning of travels on Thursday April 10th, our TB team went straight to the conference site at Rockford First to set up our promotional booth.

Taylor at BoothWe not only offered information about our organization, but we also sold hand-crafted button earrings and consignment clothing. All proceeds went straight to the Top Buttons' fund.

Clothes Rack

Our booth was conveniently located right next to the Teen Room so tons of young ladies were constantly stopping by our table. In addition, we neighbored another amazing organization called Sak Saum. They sell a variety of hand crafted accessories in efforts to raise money to fight against human trafficking. "Sak Saum exists to set captives free through rescue, restoration, rehabilitation and transformation," says their website.

Sak SaumNight one's sessions kicked off the conference with inspiring every lady to make a "In It For Good" commitment to Christ. Just as lover's forever latch locks onto Lover's Lock Bridge in Paris, each lady was provided with a lock and key to initial and forever lock upon fences labeled In It For Good.

Betsie's lock

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Day two held just as many adventures as day one. We came across so many stylish ladies, we just had to document their outfits. Here's just a few:

Chicago OutfitsSarah (pictured top right) was visiting Rockford on a pastor's wives retreat when she came across this red Jones New York maxi dress. She shared with us that she wasn't purchasing anything new for a whole year, so it was to her luck that our items were all consignment. Scared that the red dress might clash with her hair, she tried it on anyways and came out glowing with excitement. It was made for her!

When night two finally came, our Top Buttons team had the opportunity to speak about fashion and modesty at the scheduled After Party in the Teen Room. Each team member passed out book marks with pictures and information on where to purchase key items in their outfit.

Teen Room

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We loved connecting with so many new friends over common interests like our love of God and fashion. Amanda (pictured below in the hat) recently started her own consignment shop called Worth Royalty where her goal is to provide an affordable and appropriate shopping option that shows young women that they are worth royalty.

Photobooth with Amanda

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Day three included life-changing sessions; last-minute sales; and lots of coffee, good-byes, and travel.

Our very own Molly Dodd and Alexis Gauthier got to meet and hand deliver custom button earrings to one of the guest speakers named Charlotte Gambill.

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For outfit details on what our Top Buttons' team wore to the After Party, here's the scoop:

Outfits

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Taylor Murray fashioned what she likes to call a "Tomboy-meets-Feminine" look! Growing up, Taylor always leaned toward her tomboy tendencies, however, as she's matured, she's learned to incorporate her unique flair and sophistication to create a wardrobe similar to this outfit.

To purchase key items from Taylor's look:

Blazer | Boyfriend Jeans | Silver Necklace | Tortoise Watch

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Betsie Amendola keeps it simple by representing her every-day "Tribal Print-Chic" look. On a typical day, you can find Betsie wearing neutral colors paired with over-sized sweaters to stay versatile and comfortable. Betsie loves shopping at Ross because it offers a more affordable selection of trendy name-brand clothes.

To purchase key items from Betsie's look:

Aztec Cardigan | Riding Pants | Bangles | Wedges

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Alexis Gauthier's style changes almost as swiftly as her moods. To let you all in on a secret, for this "Classic Black & White" look, Alexis actually purchased all her items at thrift stores! Her black jumpsuit was 50% off at Salvation Army, which tallied up to about $3. While on Spring Break, a white blazer made it to the top of Alexis' Spring Must Have list, so she quickly grabbed this one off the Goodwill racks for just $6. Thrifting may take a little extra time, but with the added effort you can get current trends (as linked below) for just a fraction of the cost.

To purchase key items for Alexis' look:

White Blazer | Black Jumpsuit

There you have it! Three completely different styled looks from the hearts of the Top Buttons team to yours!

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All in all, attending the Original Women's Conference in Rockford, IL was a magical experience. From the performances, to the decor, to the sermons and worship, every detail was intentionally taken care of. Our Top Buttons team had such a blast attending the sessions, representing at our booth, and even speaking to the ladies in the Teen Room at their Friday night After Party.

We had a blast, left feeling empowered, and want to encourage all of you to be at the Original Women's Conference in 2015!

Must Have Closet Item: The Shirtdress

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 Every girl has a t-shirt & jean kind of day (whether we'd like to admit it or not). But having days that freshen up your look and don't require much effort, are not as far fetched as they seem.

The solution to an effortless yet chic look: the Shirtdress. And boy are we all smiles over this "easy going" apparel choice.

Chunky accessories such as this coral necklace are just as effortless as  shirtdresses AND complete the outfit.

Chain Link | Charms | Mint Tear-Drop | Two-Tone Beaded

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Here are a few of our favorite picks:

Sleeveless Floral | Gold Button Down | Long-Sleeve Sateen | Rugby Stripes 

-Jenna O.

Photo credit:  Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

Military Chic

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taylor10 Call your friends and family, call everyone in your contact list! Better yet call a taxi, for this army jacket deserves more than one appearance uptown, and here is why. Military jackets and pieces usually give off a casual or grunge vibe. If styled with the proper accessories and paired with a closed-toe pump, the once "grunge" appeal will be booted to the curb. To tie in the feminine touches, go for a bow hair wrap or any other girlie hair accessory that may suit you best. As for jewelry, skip the bangle or two and complete the look with an arm party. All military styles have one thing in common and that is being bold. This preppy military look will not only hail every taxi in the city, it will leave you in the highest ranks of fashion!

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Graphic T | Shoes | Jacket | Jeans | Head wrap | Purse | Gold Arm Party

Written by: Jenna Olinger       Photos by: Moments by Jen