My favorite vintage coat…

 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-1 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-2I bought this coat 20+ years ago at thrift store from a box that was “Anything for $1.50”  Snatched it right up and have been wearing it every year since.  Still looks new!  And more importantly…always looks current.  That is what I LOVE about vintage coats. Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-3 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-4 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-5 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-6Um…just a little windy!!! Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-7 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-8 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-9 Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-10 On me…

Coat- Vintage (thrifted vintage)
Top- H&M (sold out, similar here)
Jeans- Vince (thrifted, similar here and less expensive here)
Shoes- BlayConcept (thrifted, similar here)
On Maya…
Jacket- Guess (thrifted, but similar style here and here)
Top- Pumpkin Patch (Nordstrom Rack)
Scarf- Mine thrifted
Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (thrifted, but similar here)
Shoes- Zulily
Keeping it real…
Did I mention that it was WINDY??!!Blog Vintage Coat HM Top Vince Jeans Blayconcept Shoes-11

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

dit-elle-Lauren

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon & Asparagus Spears! This is a wonderful paleo appetizer/snack! 🙂

Blog baconasparagus

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus (16-20 spears)
  • 8-10 strips bacon

Directions

  • Wash & trim asparagus spears
  • Cut bacon strips in half crosswise
  • Wrap one half strip bacon around 1 or 2 asparagus spears (depending on how fat/skinny they are), leaving tip and end exposed
  • Lay on cookie sheet or large baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is cooked
  • Serve warm or at room temperature

dit-elle-Esther

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

Beet & Walnut Salad

This combination of beets, oil & vinegarette and toasted walnuts is delicious! Great as an appetizer, side or salad. 🙂

Blog beetwalnutsalad2 Blog beetwalnutsalad1

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beets
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • dash of salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive or walnut oil
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 3/4 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, sliced into thin half-moons (optional)

Directions

  • Steam or boil beets until fork tender, it will really depend on their size, but about 20-40 minutes. Cut off root and stem ends and slip off skins under cool, running water while beets are still warm (easiest way to do this is to sort of ‘massage’ the beets and the skin will come right off). Cool beets.
  • Whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and oil until dressing is blended.
  • Cut cooled, peeled beets into 1-inch wedges and toss with dressing.
  • To toast walnuts, preheat oven to 350° F. Spread nuts on a cookie sheet and toast for about 4 to 5 minutes. Let cool. Roughly chop toasted walnuts.
  • Add walnuts, green onions and red onions to dressed beats; toss to combine.

Super mom tip: Beets can be cooked days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just keep them unpeeled until you are ready to use.

Thanks PCC deli and recipes! :)

dit-elle-Esther

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