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2011-02-18

Thrift Thursday. Sequin Formula.

sequin3

(thrifted silk top, h&m jeans, Zara shoes)


Three of the easiest finds in a thrift store are VHS copies of Free Willy, leather belts and sequin tops. I would take a pass on Free Willy, though the amazing jump scene has often times inspired me to unshackle myself from the restraints of modern society and find true freedom in the depth of my own reality (?)... However, nice brown leather belts and anything that sparkles, inevitably ends up in my wheeled cart and coming home with me. And while belts hold up pants, define waists and reign in fabric, a sequin's main function on this earth is as a fabulous maker.

Despite their limited functionality, vintage sequin tops are a great buy. The sequins and beads are often sewn on silk or wool, they are truly unique and they are much better quality then anything found from at today's mass manufacturers. I would pay a fair amount for a French Connection sequin dress (I would... if I didn't get them from Winners for $20... ha) but those dresses lose sequins like... (insert analogy of choice... I am fresh out). It is imperative to check any thrifted sequin garment before taking it home because if any beads or sequins are already missing, it is often not worth the effort to fix but if the garment is fully intact, chances are those sequins are sewn on right proper. And I know vintage sequins can be pricey in some geographical areas (this holds true for a lot of vintage) ... however there are plenty of sequin tops in thrift stores across the country for just a few bucks each.

Yet it's one step to buy the sequins and it's another leap to actually wear them. I used to be afraid of the sparkle, worried about what people would say about me behind my back until I just got over it. Meh. Some people wear Sponge Bob Square Pants pajama bottoms to sign their mortgage papers, and I wear sequins to go for a walk. There is room for all kinds of fashion choices on this earth. Isn't that nice? My heart is warmed.

I like experimenting with sequins (here and here) but one of the easiest and chicest ways to wear some sequin is to pair them with some relaxed jeans and a nice shoe.

sequin4

(thrifted silk top, h&m jeans, ID Browns shoes)

Sequins say 'I'm trying hard!' but add some worn in denim and it says 'But not too hard!'. Maybe you thought clothes don't talk but you just have to turn down the tv and listen. A dressy shoe pulls the look into a more formal direction. 56% dressy with 44% casual. It's a science. And that's the formula to wearing sequins.

sequin1

(thrifted wool vest, Mossimo tee, h&m jeans and Modern Vintage Boots)

49 comments :

Savannah said...

This is such a great post! I love how you styled your sequins, because although they are fabulous they can be intimidating and tricky. All your sequin finds are to die for!

savannah-joyofliving.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with all your thrifted sequin pieces. You pull it off so great!!! Next time i am at the thrift stores i am defiantly searching for some!!!

Nadine said...

My heat is warmed too . . . :)

I love wearing a teeny-tiny sequin mini over my dance tights on the way to the studio (ie Scout Hall, oh dear). Covers the derriere and is jazz-fabulous.

Melissa said...

I can't believe those tops are thrifted. They are fabulous!!
I never seem to have much luck at thrift stores. :(

Siena in Style said...

1st and 3rd outfits are my favourite!!!and I love the leopard pumps!!!

Alessandra said...

OK, I have a crush on your first top and not ashamed to admit. Plus I love it styled with jeans and pumps. Very cool.

Stella said...

I have a confession to make. I used to have a top identical to the butterfly one (that was scored for a whopping .50). And then I gave it away. I know, I know. I'm stupid. But I've learned.

:'(

That said, I always quite fancy that black and white first top of yours. And the golden vest doesn't hurt me either!

Katherine said...

Holy sparkles. I almost just fainted from jealousy! The first top & outfit are fabulous, and they just kept going! Totally rockin the sequins.

❤ Katherine at sparklefarklediary.blogspot.com

Love at First Shoe said...

I absolutely LOVE the first outfit. That top is great!

Artfully Awear said...

Love it! I used to be lulled into purchasing any sequins I could find at the thrift store, but soon learned to check over the garments VERY well. You are right--there are plenty to be had and quality over quantity is key in the pursuit of thrifted sequins!

The Semi Sweet said...

I saw a butterfly sequined top the other day while thrifting and I passed it up! Oh why did I do that?!!! You look so chic and cute and I think I might just break out some sparkly sequins for my weekend.

Prissy said...

I love thrifting too, but never seem to run across any sequined shirts. Trust me, I've been on the hunt for one & I plan to wear it just like you did!! I absolutely LOVE that 1st shirt & how you paired it with the leopard shoes! Leopard meshes well with anything.

Prissy
www.rushourfashion.com

Rebecca said...

I really kicked my thrift store habit into high gear over the past year and found myself admiring so many over-the-top flashy sequined numbers but scared to take them home.
Cue your post "Stacked" featuring a gorgeous sequined jacket and two examples of it being misunderstood by others. I swear to you that it was THIS VERY POST that flipped the switch in my mind and allowed me to buy a fantastic beaded top that has become almost a staple. I now try on every sequined specimen that catches my eye and do not hesitate to purchase them (provided they fit well enough for me to wear them in a cute way).

So...thank you so much for your post!

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

All of your sequin finds are fabulous!! Good job!

www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

Sofia said...

My my, but those sequins are all fabulous.

megannielsen said...

I want to come thrifting (even though I know you hate that word!)with you. I NEVER find stuff that awesome!!
And by the way, those outfits are freaking amazing. I'm kind of (actually totally) inlove with that first top. sigh.

laura said...

GAH! I want them all!!!

Secondhand Stella said...

Oooooo, so jealous of that gold vest!!!!! I never find good sequin items at the thrift store :(

Rachael said...

Just discovered your blog, and me LIKEY. Lots. You just got a new regular reader - you win!

-Rachael
www.youresewcool.com

FutureLint said...

I love you. That is all.

Dylana Suarez said...

These tops are all so amazing! Love them!

xoxo,

colormenana.blogspot.com

Nana Erin said...

DUDE! I'm going to start just sending you coin to get me sequined tops. They are my favorite thing of ever and I have zero, because here in Dallas, they are like unicorns. Often believed in, often wished for, never seen. (except in sizes XS and XXL)

my healthy twist said...

Sooooo pretty! Love all these! XOXO, www.NatalyasCloset.com

Unknown said...

I adore the the first sequined top, cant beleive you find that beauty at a thift store!

Sara said...

I love everyone single one of these sequin pieces!! I must go scour my local thrift stores...

Gracey the Giant said...

I totally channeled you last time I was thrifting and came away with two sequin pieces. A dress and a short-sleeve jacked. I needed some inspiration (and some courage) to wear them during the day so this post is perfect and timely for me. Thanks, Jentine!

http://fashionforgiants.blogspot.com

Babes in Thriftland said...

I have never seen items in my thrift store as nice/unstained/classy as these specimens. Can I come up there and shop with you? Pretty please?

Unknown said...

Oh my I am SO jealous of all your sequins!!!
I wish I didn't live in the middle of nowhere so I could go thrifting at a store that sold stuff other than camo and fleece

Elisabeth said...

girl, these are some fabulous thrift finds. and I'm so with you about dressing them down with jeans. you're rocking all 3 looks.

Allison said...

Such a fashionista! You look awesome in them all. I really want some sequins in my life now!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you found the butterfly top at a thrift. I've been stalking those on eBay...even though I'm not much of a sequin wearer.

zeldahopper said...

You are sooooooooo funny!,,,,,,,xoxo

amy said...

Oh the sequins! Absolute perfection. I love the magical glitter that's painted within sequins.

another delicious post!


my appreciativeness for you~
love amy ^.^
flyingakite.blogspot.com

Brittney said...

i'm not a huge fan of sequins personally (*gasp*) but this post is making me rethink that. you've struck a perfect balance in all these looks; i'm loving them all. so. thanks.
-brittney
http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com (fellow remixer)

Renee said...

great thrift finds! my favorite part of these outfits? the jeans!! they are perfect for these tops, and i love how you rolled them... such a great balance for the shimmery tops!

http://bettycrockettrocknroll.blogspot.com/

LyddieGal said...

i will have to make a note of that formula for future sequin wearing.
i have yet to find the thrift store with the awesome sequined tops for a few bucks.
the good thrift store in my area has a habit of looking up things on ebay to see how much they are going for and pricing accordingly. how did they come to get so clever?

Chic on the Cheap

Kate said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kate said...

The first outfit is so, so great. LOVVVE! Perfect combination!

Anonymous said...

Jentine - you are adorable and I love your style. I learn a lot from reading your blog. But I just want to tell you that I hate those jeans. You have such an amazing figure and they do nothing for you. The crotch is always sagging and I just thought someone should tell you.

Emma at Daily Clothes Fix said...

I have always loved your sequinned looks. Thanks for sharing the science bit :-)

GFS said...

I totally agree with mathematics about the balance of sequins with jeans...it's just the perfect equation...

It's kinda like pulling up at McDonald's and the window lady only sees your sequin top. She thinks you are coming from a gala where you couldn't find anything to eat that you could pronounce.

Then you have to step out of the car because she dropped your change and she sees your jeans and realize "oh, you must be going out to a club."

I love those "sequins" moments!

lol!

Katie Dodd said...

sequins are my favorite part about the thrift. they make me giddy. Oh, and I COVET that first blouse you have on there. so gorgeous. love this post.

Laura said...

Oh I adore that first top and all your shoes!

MaybeThisDoor said...

Love all the sequins!

http://www.maybethisdoor.com/

Kari. said...

Is it ok if I post one of your pics from this post on my blog? I tried your idea out, and I would love to give credit where credit is due (and show people how the true master does it :-)! I didn't quite succeed, but at least I tried, and now I've at least set the bar ...

Anonymous said...

Um what is that little spigot thing in the wall please? It's been making me crazy since the first time I saw this post, giggles.

j.love said...

You are my sequin hero....nope...you're just my hero.

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