50% Off At Value Village Today!

We all love a great bargain, especially when we're getting ready for fall. I know - we're in denial that fall is coming, but we can at least shop in the meantime! Value Village is having a 50% off sale today! The sale includes clothing, shoes, accessories and bed & bath items. I won't have a chance to make it for the sale as I'll be sailing the evening away, but Treasure Seeker Colleen might just make a trip to see what's in store for fall.

Will you be attending the big sale? What fall items are you looking for? Leave us a comment and let us know!

50% Off at Value Village - Celebrating 60 Years - Monday, March 10th!

Alright you Value Village fans! Tomorrow is a big Value Village day! This year, Value Village is celebrating 60 years. Celebrate in style and find clothes at more affordable prices than you have ever imagined! On Monday, March 10th, shop the store and receive 50% off all bed, bath, clothing, shoes and accessories.  Read more about it on the Value Village website.

On top of the big 50% off celebration, six Super Savers Club Card members will win a $100 Value Village shopping spree! All card holders are automatically entered to win so if you haven't already, sign up online or in-store.

Value Village first opened in 1954 to provide shoppers the best value and selection with a department store-like experience, while also giving back to the community through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations. Today, Value Village has nearly 330 locations and more than 150 nonprofit partners. To many more years of great shopping, saving the environment and community engagement!

Read more of myself and Treasure Seeker Colleen's Value Village posts.

Some of my Favorite Value Village Looks

Hipster How To: Japan T-Shirts

Happy Monday all! Can't believe the weekend is over already! Time is flying by! If you take a look at my posts from my time in Japan, you will see that two of my very good friends were and still ARE Mindy and Branda. Mindy went back to visit Branda in Japan in the fall and brought back a few of my favorite things! One of the things I requested was a funny Japanese T-Shirt. I still have and wear one of my very favorites, which has a picture of the cartoon character Moomin on it. Branda sent home the amazing T-Shirt below for me and Mindy sent it along and included some of my favorite fashion and gossip magazines :) Such great friends!

On Saturday I went to the Kensington Market with my friend Anthea (yes there is another Anthea)  for brunch and to our favorite Value Village in Lansdowne. I decided to push the fashion envelope and style my T-Shirt a little more hipster than I normally would. I paired it with dark skinnies (thrifted), knee high boots, a brown belt (thrifted), my favorite Land's End winter staple vest, Guess jacket, Encircled scarf, toque from Queen West and clutch from Chapter's of all places! 

These photos were taken after brunch and it was freezing! Trying to take more style photos as of late with my new Canon SL1. Here are a few photos of the look and the magazines I received :) 

We also went to a great cafe in the Bloor and Landsdowne area. It is called the Intergallactic Space Authority. They have a coffee shop and store and all proceeds go to support community programming for kids in the area. Check out their website here. What a fun Saturday!

T-Shirt from Graniph in Japan - Check it out here.

Nicole Richie is very popular in Japan. She was always on the cover!

Always loved these style magazines. The images are so inspiring!

Amazing coffee and great staff!

Adventures in Thrifting: Treasures from Colleen

Things have been a bit chaotic in the last few weeks, but there will always be time for blogging! Treasure Seeker Colleen sent me a box with these fantastic finds from the Value Village in Vancouver. Vintage belts (including one snakeskin belt!), dress, jewelry, flats and some basic office shirts. Nothing beats receiving some new accessories and wardrobe staples. I'll be wearing a new belt and the bangles today.  What were the last items you found thrifted?

Chicago Adventures - Vacation Part 1

I am back from quite the adventure! Chicago and New York in eleven days!  I have to admit I am exhausted from all the fun and it is good to be home in my own little apartment in what seems like a very quiet city.  When I returned home on Sunday, I couldn't help thinking how small, clean and cool (temperature wise) Toronto was compared with Chicago and New York.  It made me appreciate it that much more.

On the way in from the airport

The fantastic Peninsula hotel!

While I may not necessarily be awake in the mornings, I am an early bird.  I arrived in Chicago around 8 am and took the time to have breakfast on the French inspired patio.  A good breakfast is always important when you are traveling!  I figured I wouldn't be eating the most healthy food on my trip so I started off with a bowl of home made granola, fruit and a latte.  

 

There wasn't a ton of time for shopping, but I did get in a morning at Forever 21!  The Forever 21 stores are fantastic in the US. They are bigger and have a wider variety of clothes and accessories.  I picked up a fantastic pair of printed pants, a printed skirt, a cropped top and sunglasses.  Oh happy day!

Shopping on Michigan Avenue

The view from my hotel

I also got to spend some time with my wonderful friend Makensie. We met in Japan and have stayed in touch ever since and we try to get together whenever we can.  I hadn't seen her in over a year and we had the greatest time!  Funny how with good friends, it's always like picking up right where you left off, even if you haven't seen them in a long time. 

We had deep dish pizza, watched reality TV, and went to the Ravinia music festival!  We saw Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer!  I couldn't believe how mellow and peaceful the event was.  Everyone was respectful and there were a lot of families having picnics and enjoying the warm summer night and music.  It was the perfect evening... well except for getting rained on at the end of the night, but that doesn't count!

Festival outfit 

Makensie and I! 

See our adventures in Japan here

Grand Opening of Value Village's Third Coquitlam Store! Ain't it grand!!!

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Thanks to Kathy, Store Manager and staff for a warm welcome to the huge, well organized, well priced treasure trove at 1301 United Boulevard, Coquitlam.  This is truly a place where good deeds are done (they were helping a visually impaired woman buy clothes) and where great deals can be found, all the time.  It is such a treat to shop at V.V. because there is always someone to talk with and always a treasure to be found.  You can be a club member, get a senior's discount on Tuesdays, get stamps for your donations, and even have chances to win shopping sprees.  This year, Value Village put on two runway shows for Vancouver Eco Fashion Week and the audience was wowed.  I know because I was there.  What a terrific example of the 3 R's!



My challenge this visit was to focus on building a summer wardrobe for $100.  To me, a wardrobe has to be both casual and formal, for work and play.  I look for shoes and accessories as well as color, style, labels and uniqueness in the overall design.  Come with me, through the huge double doors of this warehouse location and see how I got ready for the sun that has finally arrived in Vancouver.  Just outside, is a gigantic parking lot but if you rode your bike to this busy location, you'll find that V.V. even has a special bike rack just for you.

Making my way to the clothing racks, I couldn't help but think about what a fabulous summer vintage themed party you could organize.  A gorgeous collection of fancy bone china cups, plates, and platters, would make any lunch or dinner table so special. Ice buckets, flasks, punch bowls, ice cube trays and even the tongs and trays - everything except the bubbly, is available for that art deco coctail hour.   

The ball gowns, too!  Crinolines and beadwork, exotic colors, gloves and hats - all one of a kind! 

Imagine these Indonesian Puppets (with a certificate of authenticity) as your centerpiece or even as the entertainment.  What a grand performance!

Now, back to the clothes!  I found two pairs of shorts, by H and M, one dressy and one casual. I love these soft, grey, cuffed shorts with pockets. The pink lace shorts are lined and have a cord tie with skulls on each end.  The sleeveless, high waist dress, is grey with an embossed pattern and black jet jewel design above the waist.  It's by Bizz Princess.  The two toned, black and cream shoes (with price tag still attached) are by Carvela and are leather, made in Italy.  Comfortable, durable and adorable.

The rose colored, flower detailed, sun dress has straps, elasticized top and mid length skirt that can be worn as a top or as a dress.  I paired it with the grey shorts, but it would also go nicely with the black capris (Dish) or the long skinny stretch jeans, in the same shade, that I bought but forgot to photograph.



This little dress is just stunning.  It is grey and black and features a stand up collar, cap sleeves, pockets and is an A-line shape.  It has 3 large buttons down the front and is a soft, jersey, non iron material.  Next to it is a navy and white pin striped, belted, halter neck blouse or light jacket, with gold hook closures.  The black dress, by purple rain, is actually black on the bottom and patterned in black, white and grey on the top.

The dark grey, poly cotton, scoop necked, sleeveless blouse, is gathered at the waist with a flower.  Very dressy and polished.  The flowered sun dress next to it has a crocheted, black back and is softly draped but fitted at the waist.



Last but not least is your classic, little black dress by Mexx that is slightly draped but V's at the waist and is form fitting rather than bulky.  It has belt loops so your favorite silver or gold or even a touch of primary color would look amazing.

For jewelry, I chose a Guess charm bracelet in silver and black, earrings with color and pattern to match everything and a Greek Key design bracelet.



In summary, my wardrobe or my "dream closet" for summer includes:
l black capri pants
l skinny pants (rose)
2 shorts (grey and pink)
4 dresses - work and more formal
3 sundresses
1 pair of shoes (new)
1 blouse (light jacket)
2 bracelets

For $100 (no discounts this time) I found a lot in a short time.  I also got lots of smiles, friendly service and chances to win more shopping sprees.  Thanks Kathy and staff and once, again, Value Village, my favorite boutique.

Treasure Hunting at Value Village (Victoria Drive, Vancouver)

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Promised myself to concentrate on the hunt and not on meeting fascinating strangers, but still managed to be consulted about tap dancing shoes and where to take lessons!  Also met a tall dark version of Tim Gunn, who was delighted with his three new designer shirts and two pairs of  chinos.

For that special miss in sunny, 30's Toronto, I found white spandex skinnies, new orange sandals, (with the price tag attached) soft, floaty blouses with covered buttons and bangles and bracelets to match.  Polka Dots are trendy now so a one shouldered dress/top and a voluminous turquoise and black print scarf (also with dots) were perfect.  A flirty little skirt will round out the cache!  Pouring rain, here in Vancouver, so planning for sunshine brightened my day.

Another Value Village Look!

Funny how a new hair cut and a trip to Value Village can give you a whole new outlook on life! Well... not really, but at least some inspiration and a good kick! This whole look is from the wonderful Value Village. Getting ready for vacation in one week and I will definitely be bringing this one along.

Dress-Value Village-$12.99

Shoes-Thifted-Mum

Purse-Thrifted-$5.99

Bangle-Japan-$20

Doesn't get Better than this! Value Village Finds

I don't normally have much luck at the Value Villages here in Toronto, but today was a great day! Check out these fab shoes I picked up. All under $12.99. A happy summer Sunday indeed!

Value Village-50% off Sale

Don't forget today is 50% off day at Value Villages in Vancouver!!
70% off from 7-9 pm

A Few More Value Village Finds

Here are a few more Value Village treasures! I thought this would be my last post about Value Village finds for a while but my Mom went shopping the other day and picked me up some great jewelry and a fabulous scarf. I will post pictures soon. I also visited Holt Renfrew the other day and ended up leaving with something wonderful. Will post about it soon :)

I paired this dress with glads and a skinny belt.

A great basic winter staple. I will wear it high waisted.

Sterling Silver earrings and a snake skin? bracelet.

Value Village Finds Continued

Happy Thursday! Don't forget tonight is Haute Heroes :) If you haven't got your tickets you can contact the John Casablancas Institue or about nine productions. It is going to be a great event. Here are a few more of the pieces I found at Value Village the other day. I finally found a plaid dress! I actually didn't know it was Liz Claiborne until I got home. The tag was taken off, but the shoulder pads had Liz Claiborne tags! Yes, I took the shoulder pads out. I am actually going to take the dress to a seamstress and have it shortened a bit, it's just a bit too long for my liking. I will write one more post about this adventure soon, and it will be the jewelry post!

Mon Cheri Paris
($6.99 and 50% off)

Nygard-It even still had the pin!
($6.99 and 50% off)

Liz Claiborne-Plaid!
($6.99 and 50% off)

Value Village Finds - Accessories

Yesterday I went Value Village hunting with my mom and we found a lot of great things. In fact, I found so many things that I am going to split the posts up. This trip, my mom had a 50% off coupon, so we went a little crazy. Have you ever heard about the Value Village calendar? You can generally buy it around Christmas time. Each month features a different look created with Value Village finds, as well as a coupon. While Value Village is second hand, their prices are steadily rising, so it helps to have a coupon now and then. Every few months they also have a big 50% off day, which always involves many people running around and throwing things in the air. It's quite the thrifting experience!

Skinny Belts!
All of these belts were $3.99 or $2.99 BUT 50% off !

A pretty scarf to be worn around shoulders like a shawl or around neck. ($2.99)

Farnell Paris handbag. I have searched high and low for this brand but have not been able to dig anything up. Anyone have any ideas ?
($6.99 and 50% off!)