Shopping at thrift, consignment, and second hand stores has never been more popular!  With an increased interest in going green and pop culture references, like “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, hitting up your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or mom and pop second hand shop is as trendy as it is Earth friendly.  Thinking of spending your next shopping dollars at a thrift store?  Read on for some tips to make the most of your experience.

1. Take Your Time: Thrift stores can be a treasure chest of discount finds and rare pieces, but be prepared to spend some time sifting through racks and shelves of merchandise.  The best thrift stores are organized by size and color, but taking your time and looking carefully is the best way to find that special something.  Browse often too!  Second hand shops are constantly getting new merchandise and rotate it in and out quickly.
2. Shop in Season:  Just like traditional retail stores, many thrift stores rotate their selection by the seasons.  So if you’re looking for something specific, shop at the beginning of the season for the best selection.  Want short tops and skirts?  Shop in March-April.  Looking for sweaters and winter coats?  Start looking around October.  And don’t forget to dress for clothes shopping.  Much like shopping at a vintage bazaar make sure you wear something easy to take off and wear layers like a tank top to make trying clothes on more comfortable.
3. Think Outside the Closet: Thrift stores are great places to find clothes, shoes, and bags, but they also have so much more!  You can score great deals on furniture, accessories, books, games, and more.  Check out reviews on Yelp.com to see what stores seem to specialize in.
4. Pick Your Neighborhood:  If you live in a bigger city, chances are you have more than one thrift store to visit.  If you’re looking for something specific, hit them all up; but if you’re not sure where to start, look to the neighborhood the shop is in.  Most people donate to their nearest shop, so if you like the vibe and style of an area, chances are you’ll like the selection at the neighborhood thrift store.

Two more tips?  Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag and don’t forget to donate yourself!  Take your gently used and unneeded items to your local thrift store.  If you get a receipt, your donation is tax deductible!   Have you found something great at a thrift store?  Have any tips of your own to share?  Leave a comment and let us know.

We’ve been seeing lush photos and gorgeous hair, makeup, and jewelry, from the newest Great Gatsby movie for months and the wait is finally over!  If you saw the movie and loved Daisy’s style (played by Carey Mulligan), here are a couple tips and tricks for copying that gorgeous makeup.

• Long, Lean Eyebrows
  According to makeup artist Maurizio Silvi “The eyebrows were the most important part of the face because they represented the look of that time.” The Daisy Buchanan character has cleanly plucked, long brows. To copy the look, brush through with a lash & brow duo, then fill in with an eyebrow gel or pencil that matches your brow color.
• Light Lips
  A red lipstick doesn’t fit Daisy’s ethereal personality, so Silvi selected a light pinkish-nude shade. Pick a color that is close to your natural lip color but a touch pinker and apply with a lip brush, which allows you to control the amount of color for buildable coverage.
• Dramatic Eyes
  To keep the emphasis on the eye, create a smoky eye, but swap out black for a soft plum shade in a matte color.  Use your full eye shadow brush for your lower lid and crease, then dip the same brush in a light pink shadow to blend out of the crease and under brows. Want even more drama? Stamp a grey or dark purple gel liner on the top lash line with a flat liner brush and apply a few coats of mascara.

Makeup Shown: Tarte Amazonian Clay Eye Shadow Quad in “Envoke the Smoke” and Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss

Now that it’s May, warmer weather is on the way, and that means its time to start thinking about picnics, outdoor parties, and dining al fresco!  Whether you’re visiting a state park, taking in a concert in the park, or entertaining friends at home, it’s never been easier to picnic eco-style.

1. Use Reusable
   While it’s easy to pick up a pack of paper plates, it’s much more eco-friendly and stylish to use reusable plates, silverware, glasses, and napkins.  Invest in a chic picnic basket set that comes repacked with all the essentials you need or shop separates in bright colors and fun prints.  Melamine picnicwear is lightweight and comes in tons of colors.  Don’t forget cloth napkins!  Washing them actually uses less water than is required to produce paper ones.
2. Don’t Forget the Blanket
   The most important part of a successful picnic?  A good blanket!  Make sure to select one that’s large enough to accommodate all of your guests.  If you plan to picnic a lot, a blanket that rolls up or comes with a foldable carrier will make travel easier. You can even find blankets with weatherproof backs! Use that old quilt that’s in the closet or shop your local thrift store too.
3. Pack Picnic Foods
   Finger foods and room-temperature edibles rule at picnics for their ease of prepping and eating. Think petite finger sandwiches, fresh fruits and veggies, or chips and salsa. Assemble, slice, and dice everything the evening before your picnic adventure so all you have to do is pack your bag and go! If you have kids or like perfect portions, pick up a few bento boxes: the Japanese style of packing compact, balanced, and visually appealing meals in a box. Check out Laptop Lunches for eco-friendly options.

Happy picnicking!