Author Archives: laurenkahan

Military Jacket + Printed Jeans + Booties (almost all thrifted!)

Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-1My parents were nice enough to take Maya for a few hours, so I could get caught up on some work and go to a Dr’s apt.  It just happened to stop raining for 5 minutes when they came over, so my mom grabbed a few pics of me and Maya.  Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-2She’s looking at my dad (who is making funny faces behind my mom and saying…”Um, BOPO, you are NOT funny…” (sorry Dad) Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-3Then, she was ready to get going to their house!  Seriously, so lucky to have them now living a few blocks away!Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-11You can kind of see that it started raining again…Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-12Bye Mom!!Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-13A few hours later it stopped raining right before my apt, so I ran out and grab some of me.  Literally had 5 minutes, before it started pouring again. Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-4Scored this J Crew jacket for $7! Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-6And since I didn’t have Maya with me, I broke out some booties with heels! Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-7 Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-8 Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-9And…a non ginormous purse, since I didn’t have to haul around snacks, water, diapers, wipes, toys, etc 🙂 Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-10 On me…

Jacket- J Crew (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- Current Elliott (thrifted, sold out, but similar here)
Purse- The Sak “Silverlake Flap” (thrifted $7!! Sold out, but similar here)
Boots- Frye “Lisa Short Stitch” (eBay, sold out but similar here and here and less expensive here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it real…
I have no idea what she’s doing here haha.  Diaper wedgie perhaps? 🙂Blog J Crew Zara Current Elliott Frye Booties-14

(pcitures of me and Maya are taken by my Mom.  All pictures taken of me are with a self timer and tripod, ones of Maya are by me :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Layering + Combat Boots

 Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-1 Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-2 Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-3I was kind of on the fence when I got this jacket from StyleMint.  I got it during their Black Friday Sale, so it was 50% off (point in it’s favor).  When it came, it was kind of stiff and boxy.  I threw it in the dryer (it says hand wash cold, but THAT is not happening!)  That softened it up a bit, and now I really like it.  I love that it shows the layers of what you are wearing underneath! Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-4Um….”big hair don’t care”??  Ok, I kind of care, wow :} Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-5I’ve ordered a bunch of stuff off StyleMint (of course when they have big sales!), but I hadn’t ever bought any shoes from ShoeMint.  Well…another sale came up, so I snagged these boots for $44!  They are real leather and SO soft and comfortable.  I was very pleasantly surprised!  Even walked around the neighborhood with Maya first time wearing them and still comfy!  They still have some left, and I agree with the reviewers, size down a half size.  Love the studded details and the zippers up the back! Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-6 Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-7Yeah, her coat lasted all of 2.3 seconds.  NW girl at heart…who needs a coat?? Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-8Coated baby pants??!!!  Died when I saw these on Zulily’s close out sale!  May have gotten a few pairs…they were $5.50 and I had grandparent Christmas $$ to spend! Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-9 Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-10 Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-11 On me…

Jacket- StyleMint (sold out, but similar here and if you want to splurge here)
Sweater- Aqua Cashmere (old, but love this here and less expensive option here  both on sale!)
Jeans- Hudson (eBay)
Boots- StyleMint (on sale!)
On Maya…
Shirt- Arizona (thrifted, but similar here)
Top- Carter’s (thrifted, but similar here)
Pants- Zulily (search for Crystal Vogue)
Shoes-Converse (thrifted, but similar here)
Keeping it real… Can you tell she likes to push the button?  Sheesh.
Blog StyleMint Jacket Aqua Sweater Hudson ShoeMint Boots-13

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Another pair of Boyfriend Jeans…and a pop of color.

 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-1 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-2My hunt for the perfect boyfriend jean continues.  Current Elliott is known for theirs, so when I found them at Funky Janes for $18 (I used my credit for items dropped off-so FREE TO ME!), I had to try them.  They still have a bit of the saggy butt look (not a fan!), but again…they are SO comfortable, that I’m willing to overlook that.  We went to a birthday party today, so I knew I would be bending down/sitting/running around.  I wanted something that would be comfortable, and these definitely fit the bill. Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-3I love this jacket (eBay!).  I don’t know why I don’t wear it more often… Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-4 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-5She’s running away from me as I insist that she puts a coat on…. Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-6 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-7 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-8 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-9She loves picking up sticks and taking them on our walks. Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-10 Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-11 On me…

Jacket- Doma (old) Similar color here and here.
Top- Zara (sold out, but similar here-it zips up the back which you can’t see :))
Jeans- Current Elliott (scored at Funky Janes Consignment, similar here and less expensive here)
Shoes- Coach (thrifted, and OMG are they comfy! Similar here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Hanna Andersson (thrifted, but similar here and loving this one here)
Top- First Impressions (thrifted, on sale here)
Jeans- Gap (thrifted and destroyed by me)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)
Keeping it real…
This would be right after I wrangled her into her coat.  Not happy. 🙂Blog Doma Zara Current Elliott Boyfriend Coach-12

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Masculine and Feminine

Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-1 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-2 These mens 7FAM jeans are really becoming one of my favorite happy accidents. I thought it would be fun to pair them with something a little more feminine this time and dare I say it…sexy?? :} Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-3LOVE these chevron earrings from Gorjana Griffin Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-4 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-5 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-6 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-7 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-8 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-9She is such a goof….love her 🙂 Blog Zara Sweater Mens 7FAM-10On me…

Sweater- Zara (on sale!)
Jeans- 7 For all Mankind-similar (men’s :) thrifted)
Earrings- Gorjana Griffin (scored during their 80% clearance.  Sold out, but similar styles here)
Shoes- Isaac Mizrahi (15+ yrs old, but similar here and here)
On Maya…
Sweater- Osh Kosh (thrifted, but love this on sale here)
Top- H&M (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- 7FAM (eBay, similar here in blue and here gray)
Shoes- Zulily
And in the interest of keeping it real… No, it’s not always happy faces and laughter 🙂Blog Outtake Zara 7FAM

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

dit-elle-Lauren

Thrift Store Shopping…

 To say that I love thrift stores would be a bit of an understatement.  I’ve talked about it a little here and there on this blog and on Instagram, but I thought I’d do a post where Maya and I are wearing ALL thrift store purchases, and do a breakdown on the cost vs sharing links.  We’ve worn everything below on the blog already, so links have already been provided for similar items.

Funny story.  I thought we would venture out of our neighborhood for this shoot, but it was so sunny (out of nowhere!) and WINDY (neither is which is good for pics), so my hopes of doing this with a Seattle skyline backdrop got dashed, and….we ended up down the street from my house haha.  Yes, all these pics are still taken with a tripod and self timer 🙂Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-1 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-2 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-3 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-4In order of my favorite ways to get what you want at a fraction of the cost-

  1. eBay-By far the best way to get what you want for a fraction of the cost.  The search bar and category/size features make it so easy to find what you want.  That said, a lot of sellers don’t do a great job of listing what they have, so sometimes broaden your search and you’ll get  the real steals!  eBay tip-bid the minimum bid right away if it’s something that you want.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been watching something, then forget about it, see that it ended for no bids, then it gets relisted and snatched up-GRRR!  On things I really want, I set a reminder (yes, I’m that big of a nerd) and then bid in the last 10 seconds.  If you think that is extreme, I’m not alone!  I’ve been outbid with 2 seconds left!   Then…sell what you don’t want and make $$ to buy what you do want.  “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” FOR SURE!  I’d say half of what I wear on here is from eBay 🙂
  2. Thrift Stores– By this, I mean Value Village, GoodWill, or something similar.  Goodwill posts a monthly calendar of discount days.  So, if you go and see something you like, but it’s more than you want to spend, look up the color and go back 🙂  Value Village has their Super Saver program, which obviously I’m a part of haha.  You get email notifications for random days that are 30-50% off clothing, and you get to take part in holiday sale days a day earlier than everyone else.  It’s free-sign up!!  They also have 30% off punch cards every few months, where you get stamps for every $5 purchased or bag donated.
  3. Consignment Shops– These are a little more expensive than thrift stores, but not always.  A lot of times, they don’t know the current designers and accidentally mark them lower.  Ie-just scored a pair of Current Elliot boyfriend jeans for $18 (retail for $200+)!!  And…because I had a credit for bringing stuff I didn’t wear anymore, they were FREE!!!  Don’t we all have things that we are sick of wearing?  Still cute?  Someone else will LOVE it, and you get credit to buy something “new” to you that you’ll love!  Or…just get cash to spend elsewhere 🙂
  4. Antique Stores– Not where you might originally think to shop, but there are SO many fun things to buy at a fraction of retail price.  Clothing-think cool leather jackets, wool jackets, adorable dresses, awesome shoes that are totally on trend right now (cowboy boots, loafers, oxfords, and amazing heels if you have itty bitty feet which I don’t) and fun sweaters.  Then…there’s furniture!  I could do (and probably will!) an entire blog post on cool furniture you can snag at a fraction of today’s prices.

And…here’s what we scored recently.

Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-5 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-6Let’s go down there! Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-7 Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-8Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties- Blog Vintage Leather Jacket Zara J Brand Born Booties-10On me…

Leather Jacket- Funky Janes Consignment  $25, but used a credit for clothes dropped off = Free
Top- Zara $6.99, ThredUp, bought during 25% off promo = $5.20
Scarf- Bought at Value Village $1.99, but had 30% off punch card = $1.40
Jeans- J Brand bought at Value Village $9.99, but had 30% off punch card = $6.99
Boots- Born bought at Value Village $9.99, but had 30% off punch card = $6.99
Total Outfit Cost- $20.58 (If I hadn’t had the store credit, it still would have been $45.58!)
On Maya…
Jacket- Circo Bought at Value Village $2.99, but went during 50% off sale = $1.50
Sweater- Gap Bought at Value Village $3.99, but went during 50% off sale = $2
Jeans- Levi’s Bought at the Value Village $3.99, but had 30% off punch card = $2.80
Shoes- Minnetonka Bought at Value Village $3.99, but went during 50% off sale = $2
Total outfit cost- $8.30
Our Combined Outfit Cost- $28.88!

Anyone else have any super thrifty tips??  I’d love to hear them 🙂

dit-elle-Lauren

Skulls and Polka Dots?

 So glad there are two of us that made up that title… 🙂Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-1 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-2 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-3I actually wore this on a shoot.  I’m not sure if it said “professional”, but it was for a 3 year old’s birthday party, so I was going for both fun and professional… What little boy doesn’t like skulls?  Like he noticed 🙂 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-4 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-5 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-6“Where’s Maya?”  Her favorite game… 🙂 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-7OMG, I have no words for how much I love these next two images!! Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-8I know I’m biased, but she is so freakin cute, I can hardly stand it! Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-9 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-10 Blog Vintage Havana DL1961 Booties-11

On me…

Sweater- Vintage Havana (sold out, but similar here and LOVE this one if it wasn’t so expensive)
Top- H&M (on sale!)
Jeans- DL 1961 (these are the Emma Leggings)
Boots- Ann Taylor (thrifted, but similar on sale here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans- Zulily
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

Comfy Sweaters…shocking, I know.

 I was so proud that we were in no way matching today, and then it hit me.  Hmmm, we kind of still are.  Both wearing comfy sweaters and zipper jeans!  Ugh.  Oh, well.  We don’t care 🙂Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-1 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-2 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-3I got this Levi’s button down last Sunday too.  I’ve been a little obsessed with plaid lately, and it was only $5.  Yay for that 🙂 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-4 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-5 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-6 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-7 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-8And Minnetonka’s for $2?!!  Don’t mind if I do…  Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-9Someone is a liiiiittle obsessed with dinosaurs. Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-10 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-11 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-12 Blog Zara Levis Joes Jeans Miss Sixty-13On me…

Sweater- Zara
Top- Levi’s (mens) thrifted, but similar here)
Jeans-Joe’s Jeans (sold out)  Thrifted, but similar here and less expensive here)
Shoes- Miss Sixty “Marlene” oxford (sold out, but you can still find them on eBay!)  Similar here.
On Maya…
Sweater- Zulily
Top- Old Navy (thrifted, similar here)
Jeans- Gap (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Minnetonka (thrifted, similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

Fringe + Distressed Jeans + Thrift Store Score Shoes

 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-1 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-2 I had an almost embarrassingly large haul at the thrift store on Sunday.  It was an additional 50% off everything, and there was so much good stuff!!  I mainly loaded Maya up, but snagged a few things for me too.  One of which was these shoes.  LOVE THEM.  And the best part?  They were $4, but when I googled them for this post, I found out they retailed for over $300!!  SCORE! Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-3 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-4 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-5 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-6I bought these jeans for Maya with the thought that I would make them into cut offs for the summer.  They are a capri length, and I didn’t think I’d like them.  Then…I kind of did.  Plus, they show off the perfectly worn in Converse that I scored for $.99! 🙂 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-7 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-8I love how her shadow looks like it’s touching her face 🙂 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-9 Blog StyleMint Vest Current Elliott Tanino Crisci-10

On me…

Sweater- Stylemint
Top- Zara (old, but similar here)
Jeans- Current Elliott (sold out, but similar here, here)
Shoes- Tanino Crisci (thrifted, but similar here)
On Maya…
Sweater- Halogen Thrifted Women’s wool sweater shrunk 🙂 (Similar here or actual kids sweater here or here :))
Top- Osh Kosh (old, but love this on sale here)
Jeans- Levi’s (thrifted, similar here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

Color Blocking + my DIY Destroyed Skinny Jeans!

 I showed a sneak peek of these over the weekend in the tutorial for how I made some DIY destroyed jeans for me and Maya.  I love how they turned out, and can’t wait to do some more 🙂

One of the MANY things I love about Maya?  She is freaking hysterical!  Cracks me up all the time!! Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-1And then turns around and is the sweetest thing ever…Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-2Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-3Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-4Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-5I should add that I did not distress these jeans.  They came this way 🙂Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-6Doing her part to keep the dandy lion population alive :{  Don’t tell my neighbors… She loves them though.  “LIONS!!”Blog Splendid Sweater DIY Destroyed Goldsign Superga-7On me…

Sweater- Splendid (eBay but similar here and less expensive here)
Jeans- Goldsign “Frontier” (destroyed by me, similar here, here and less expensive here)
Shoes- Superga
On Maya…
Vest- Old Navy (thrifted)
Top- Old Navy (thrifted)
Jeans- Levi’s (thrifted, but similar style here and without the distressing here)
Shoes- Converse (thrifted, similar here)

dit-elle-Lauren

DIY destroyed jeans with the strings attached…

I love the look of destroyed jeans.  What I don’t love, is that they seem to add about 25% on to the price tag.  Plus, they get snatched up on eBay immediately/usually go for more than my allotted budget.  So…I googled it and found  bunch of cool tutorials online.  If you are more of a video person, there are a ton on YouTube.  Anyway…here’s what I did.

First figure out what jeans you want to destroy.  I have three pairs of these jeans (two in one size, and one in a size down-ALL purchased on eBay, mind you).  I tend to buy in multiples when I find a pair that fits perfectly.  Obviously, only if I can get them at a screaming deal, and usually with the intent on doing something like this!  Then figure out where you want your holes to be.  I totally braincramped, so I googled (what did we do before google????) destroyed skinny jeans and determined the look I liked vs didn’t like.  I really wanted to start out minimally on this first pair.  It’s so addicting though, so the next pair I’ll be more bold.  I used hair cutting scissors because they are slimmer and more sharp.  It’s not necessary though.Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-1Make the cuts about 1/2 an inch apart for as long and wide as you want to hole to be.  Again, I wanted smaller holes for this pair, because I knew I could always make them bigger later 🙂Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-2Then, turn the jeans inside out, take tweezers, and pull a few of the white threads away.  You need to pull at least 3 of the white threads to expose the blue threads that run up and down.Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-3Then, use the tweezers to start pulling the blue threads out.  It’s hard at first, but then you can get 3-4 out at a time.  All that is left then is the white threads going across!Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-4I did a small area on the back pocket too.  I didn’t want to do it on the main part and risk things falling out, but the top part is lined.  You can’t turn it inside out, but it still works.Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-5And here they are!  I think they are going to keep getting better and better with each wash 🙂Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-6Then I decided to try it on a pair of Maya’s jeans.  She had bit the dust a while back and started a tiny hole.  I figured they would be the perfect pair.  I LOVE how hers turned out!  Isn’t everything cuter when it’s tiny??  I did a few around her pockets too, since it’s not like she’s carrying anything important in them!Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-7I decided to reinforce hers though, just in case she bites it again.  Don’t want her skinning her knees in the name of fashion… :}  I just used iron on patches.  Super easy!Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-8And here she is wearing them in a post from earlier this week.  So cute, right??Blog DIY Destroyed Denim Jeans With Strings Attached-9Happy cutting!dit-elle-Lauren