A few weeks ago, I took many of you along with me on my Goodwill treasure hunting trip via facebook and instagram. I shared this photo of my J Crew jacket and polka dotted shirt.

Since stripes and polka dots are everywhere this spring, I couldn’t wait to incorporate this fun trend into my wardrobe, but I am limited in what to grab. I am on the hunt for pattern, and since that Goodwill run above, I’ve found a few extra pieces like this thrifted stripe shirt shown below for only $3.75. (Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of it.)

Over and over, you all assure me that you can NOT find the treasures I do. While I am the first to understand that all thrift stores are not created equal, in between the duds, are hidden gems.

Since I am looking for stripes and polka dots pieces, my thrift store runs are quick. I pop in, scan the racks quickly (possibly detour to the furniture and home goods) and then am out again in ten minutes. Typically, I always follow my Must Do’s when browsing for thrifted clothes. While this is an old post, the points always hold true for me, except when searching for patterns.)

Last season, I found a zebra print dress at a yard sale for only a buck. The cut of the dress is a bit dated, but paired with my new coral jacket, I knew it would be perfectly fun. Taking something conservative in style, like a jacket, and layering it over a bold print is such a fun way to add a bit of drama and give it a nontraditional touch.

(PS). Remember my weight loss post? I’ve lost ten pounds since this picture was taken. YAY! Finally!

It’s still a bit too chilly for heels, and I didn’t have the perfect boots for the outfit, but these work.

Shop your closet and try new things. It was fun to be able to bring this zebra dress to life when I thought it might be a dollar wasted. 😉

Three weekends ago, I went to the beach with some girlfriend, and of course, we hit the Tanger Outlet mall. When I mentioned I was popping into Rue 21, some chuckled politely at me, “Isn’t that store just for teenagers?”

Well, look who’s laughing now? I hit the mother load of all jewelry clearances with each piece marked down to $2. Oh yes, ladies, you can bet that I snagged the majority of it.

When they saw what I purchased, they exclaimed the need to rush that section, but alas, it may or may not have been cleared out already. 😉 (I have a lot of nieces to buy for, you know.)

I always encourage investing in accessories, but if you get them for $2, who needs to invest, just buy them all. (Read my 5 Tips to Saving Big at Outlet Malls.)

Since my mind is on pattern, I snagged an old yard sale shirt and $3 jacket find from my closet and paired them with yes, another pair of $2 earrings (insert giddy emotion.)

This is another Frugal Fashionista outfit for under $15.

With all the clothing pieces and shoes thrifted, paired with a steal on the earrings, it rings up at around $10 – an outfit for every budget.

I’m onto a pattern party and can’t wait to style up something a little less conservative. 🙂

Should we jump onto the spring fashion trend wagon and pair subtle stripes with dots next time?