Fine Form: Dress Form-Shaped Perfume Bottles at Quintessential Antiques

I'm not much for perfume, but perhaps it's because today's don't come in such stylish bottles. Spotted last month at Quintessential Antiques (5707 Manchester).

Floral Skirt Remix: Take One (Crochet Top)

Crochet top: found on Amazon via LookbookStore
Skirt: Target (a girls' dress with the top cut off)
Belt: thrifted
Gecko ring: thrifted
Bracelet: Cara from Nordstrom (gifted) (similar)

While I have a sizable closet, there are some pieces that remain in constant rotation. Over the next few weeks I thought I'd share how I get mileage out of these pieces, starting with this floral skirt. It started as a girls' dress. I really enjoyed it in its original form (the top was striped with a boat neck and evoked this really great 'feminine pirate' spirit), but it's proven much more valuable to me as a skirt. The waist is elastic ensuring it's always comfortable. More importantly, the hodgepodge of flowers make it an easy skirt to wear with almost any color. (Except blue. I've yet to make that combination work.)

The crochet top was a perfect pairing for my recent weekend in Nashville and the beginning of official summer weather. I'm not a huge fan of the bra completely visible underneath the shirt, so I paired it with a cream tank.

Detail Close-Up: Breathing New Life Into a Favorite Vest With a Vintage Button-Down

I just thought I'd share some close-ups from my outfit post yesterday--I can't get enough of this combination!

Oldies But Goodies: Breathing New Life Into a Favorite Vest With a Retro Button-Down

Shirt, vest and necklace: thrifted
Jeans: Target
Shoes: BOC Shoes

Anyone who knew me during the latter half of college probably saw me wear this vest anywhere from 100 to 200 times. It went well with my dorm room-sized wardrobe, consisting mostly of 'bruise' hues (and always with dark gray or black jeans). Since I started working full-time, it only comes out during my 'off' hours, if at all. I'd been looking for a shirt that would give me an excuse to revive it, and I think I've found it! It's conservative enough for me to wear to the office, though more in character for me to wear on a night out. This may be one of my new favorite outfits!

Keep It Simple, Stupid: Layering With Eyelets

Dress, button-down, necklace: thrifted
Shoes: Target (old) 

(Stolen Off) My Boyfriend's Back: Dressing Up Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre t-shirt: stolen from my boyfriend

Lace cardigan: thrifted, Value Village

Skirt: thrifted, Value Village

Cuff: thrifted, Goodwill

Boots: T.J. Maxx

I suppose I wear this shirt ironically. I'm not much of a rap fan, though I enjoy a few songs by Dr. Dre, and mostly just stole this shirt for the graphic. (You can't tell from the photo, but the lettering and frame around his photo are glittery.)

This is one of my go-to "wear under a cardigan with jeans" shirts, though I think the juxtaposition here with the lace cardigan is hilarious.

Would Dr. Dre approve? I don't care. (Check out my other "(Stolen Off) My Boyfriend's Back" posts for inspiration on how to incorporate men's clothing into your wardrobe!)

St. Louis Thrift Finds: Saturday Antiquing at The Green Shag Market and Treasure Aisles Antique Mall

I don't always set out thrifting or antiquing to buy stuff. Sometimes, the pleasure of the hunt is stumbling upon items that people presumably once owned, and maybe even used, that make you cock your head and say, "What the hell?!" For these items I play a little game called, "Where did this come from?"

I spotted these at The Green Shag Market and Treasure Aisles Antique Mall a few weekends ago. Where do you imagine they came from?



About "St. Louis Thrift Finds": While this blog is primarily dedicated to personal style and ways bust forms are used for decoration, I am an avid thrifter/antiquer/junk sifter. Sometimes, I scoop up the treasures I find. Other times, I simply want to share them with you!

Delicate Gold Chains

Chains: purchased at Belleville Flea Market

I don't always button my button-down shirts to the top, but when I do, it's so I can show off an amazing necklace or brooch. I snagged this baby beauty during my last trip to the flea market, and the flower detail is so delicate it makes me feel like I'm wearing a doll's jewelry. 

Oldies But Goodies: A Good Sweater Never Goes Out of Style

Shirt: old
Sweater: thrifted
Skirt: thrifted
Jewelry: purhcased at Belleville Flea Market
Sandals: Rampage via Ross Dress for Less

I found this bolero at some point my senior year of high school, and it's never far from my reach--especially since I moved to St. Louis! It's a perfect cover-up for sleeveless dresses to keep away the sunburn my shoulders are so woefully prone to. 

R.I.P. Suburgatory: My 6 Favorite Fashions from Tessa Altman (And One From Dalia Royce)

Off the Bust: Stacked Bracelets

I don't believe there is such a thing as too many bracelets. All of these--except the orange rope one and the beaded bangle--were gifted or hand-me-downs.

Fine Form: Mannequin Head Wall Display

Unfortunately I wasn't able to find an original source for this image, which I found on Pinterest.

I think this is a great display for people who own a lot of sunglasses and hats, and would rather show them off than stock them in a drawer (or a hat box). Normally I'd say, "Those mannequins heads should all be the same color," but I think these mixed up heads play a lot better with the different styles of accessories. Like the look? You can also create a similar display using mannequin hands.


Do you use a dress form or mannequin for display? Share your photos with me, and I may feature them in an upcoming "Fine Form" post! E-mail photos to karlieabaker@gmail.com.

A Very Floral 90s Sweater

Sweater and collared shirts: thrifted
Necklaces: purchased at Belleville Flea Market

Sorry for the radio silence--I've been dealing with some tooth pain, and am currently post-root canal.

My latest sweater purchase is getting me through this chilly May day. I bought it inspired by Remy Beaumont from the cancelled 'Ravenswood,' and her impeccable collared shirt fashions.