Happy Halloween! Great DIY Costumes for the Eternal Procrastinator on a Budget

Always an eternal procrastinator on finding a costume for Halloween, I always expect myself to create a great costume on a small budget. To assist the optimistic procrastinators like me, here are some ideas that I thought I could share that you can create last minute without breaking the bank.

The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is a fun and colorful option and you can create pretty inexpensively. Find a floral embellished or embroidered top, brightly colored wrap or scarf to use as wrap on your hair and accent with faux flowers. Pair with a full colorful full skirt. Accent the ensemble with lots of colorful beads. To complete the looks, braid your hair up into buns, take eyeliner and create her signature unibrow and finish with bright lipstick.

Orange is the New Black is a super-hit phenom in our pop culture and the ease of putting this costume together is for the best of procrastinators. Find an orange jumpsuit or two piece uniform pantsuit. Wear a long sleeve white t-shirt underneath and pair with black tie up canvas shoes. Get iron on letters and numbers to create an inmate number on the back.

Be inspired by the garden by having a garden gnome get-up. Buy a blue shirt, a red santa hat and go to your nearest fabric store and find shaggy white, piece of fabric big enough to create a beard. Cut the fabric into a shape of a beard.

Create an opening for the mouth, then fasten a string or band to both sides to hold in place like a mask. Take the left over fabric and paste onto the front of the hat to make shaggy eyebrows.

I had a friend came up with a long time ago with a very clever last minute DIY costume and definitely for someone who is budget conscious. Be a deviled egg. Find a white t-shirt paint a large yellow oval on it. Add devil horns to your head and costume is complete.

Everyone loves the American icon Rosie the Riveter from World War II. For all those vintage girls, a super easy, inexpensive costume. Just add retro red scarf and tie over the hair. Wear a cropped fitted denim shirt and tie in front and dark jeans.

Do you want to be comfortable and not cold during Halloween? Try being a kid in footie pajamas with pick tails and teddy bear. An easy costume you can pass-out in if you have had too much to drink after a night of partying.

For those conversations that you want to avoid at a party try being a mime. This budget buster costume is a simple black and white striped shirt, black pants and beret. Paint on white face with black details. Wear black gloves and let your hands do the talking.

If you are a Breakfast at Tiffany's fan, try being Holy Golightly aka Audrey Hepburn. Wear a black, long, vintage dress. Accent with a sparkly necklace, tiara, fake cigarette holder and black long gloves. Whip up wicked cat eye and add long gloves. All you need is a strong martini in hand and you complete her look.

Want to drink like a goddess all night? Try being a Greek Goddess! Make a head

wreath out of faux flowers, leaves and grapes that you can purchase from the Dollar Store. Wear a white bodysuit or white tank and skirt. Create your gown by taking a white sheet or curtain and tie it around your body (DIY tutorial here). Cinch the center with a gold belt and finish with gold sandals.

For the minimalist, try being a stick figure. Dress all in white, take black duct tape, stick to front of outfit as stick figure. Draw a smiley face on paper plate in thick black marker. Cut out eyes. Take rope or band and tape it to back of plate so it becomes a mask.

In love with furry critters, those of the feline variety? Try being a crazy cat lady.

All you need is your slippers and a big fluffy robe. Attach stuffed animal cats staples all over your robe. Add large hair rollers to your hair and glasses to your costumer for full effect.

So my friends, there is no excuse to get out there and have some fun this Halloween no matter how much you are a procrastinator or have a tight budget. Besides, the DIY costumes I see are always the best.

What is your favorite DIY costume? Please share with are fashion loving procrastinators like me.

Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

XXOO,
Christine Sanderson
- Le Thrift Consignment

Le Thrift Consignment is Now Offering White Glove Service to Detroit

Le Thrift Consignment is coming to the Detroit area and Southwest Michigan! 

Calling all Michigan Fashionistas! Looking for a place to sell your designer items? For the remaining of September and October, Le Thrift Consignment will be offering White Glove Services to Southwest Michigan, Detroit and the Detroit Metro area. 

What is White Glove Service?

Consignment has never been easier. Book an appointment with us and we will conveniently pick up your items, inventory and price them on site. Le Thrift Consignment will then invite you to your own personal portal where you can watch your items sell.

How does the process work?

Consignors now receive 60% for their fall items and 70% for items valued over $2000. This offer is valid until October 31st. 

Your items will be brought to our boutique in Chicago and sold on the sales floor and online. Le Thrift Consignment sells on a variety of online platforms that guarantee the best sales outcome for your items.

Payments are made quarterly by either an electronic check, Paypal or a traditional check.

To qualify for White Glove Service, please make sure that the items you want to consign are found on our brand list here -
https://www.lethriftconsignment.com/pages/consignyourchanel. 


Do you have finer vintage clothing and accessories? Le Thrift Consignment accepts those as well. Please contact us to see if the items will qualify for consignment first at christines@lethrift.com.

Have an estate full of clothing?

Le Thrift Consignment offers an hourly service that can help you process which items are worth selling and which should be donated. We can access value, organize and inventory these items on site. Le Thrift Consignment will also assist with removal of unwanted and donation items to the charities that we partner with. You will receive a tax receipt for the items that are donated. 

Ready to get started? 

Contact Christine at christines@lethrift.com to answer any questions and to book an appointment.

This Winter Might be the Best Thing for Your Vintage Clothes

I keep reading predictions in the media that this winter will bring the  strongly anticipated La Nina, the absolute opposite of an El Nino winter in Chicago. What does this mean to us? Icy storms, lots of snow and a heavy helping of frigid air. 

Although, this prediction of a 2016 winter deep freeze might be the best thing for our vintage clothes.

The famous fur that Carrie Bradshaw wore.

I had first acquired this knowledge when I went to go visit my client for a White Glove Pickup in a gorgeous Ukrainian Village apartment in Chicago. The type of building with the huge front porches and colorful flowers tumbling down the side. My client was consigning her mother's items and immediately when I walked into her apartment, I could see that this woman had exquisite taste. I was excited to see and learn about her mother and the stories of how she collected these clothes.

It was then, as we were rifling through her furs, fine wools and leathers that my client mentioned to me that her Mother used to "freeze" her furs. I chuckled and then listened intensely as it sounded non conventional do to this, however I am always excited to learn new things, especially about properly caring for finer clothing.

She told me stories about how her mother would in the dead of winter hang her finest items out in the open cold air and freeze them. Although, her neighbors might of wondered what she was up to, she was rather smart as it was an effective way to rid of dust mites and moth larvae.

See no matter how meticulous you are with your items, especially vintage, you are always running the risk of these little buggers ruining your clothing. Freezing kills the mites and larvae in an effective, inexpensive and green way. 

You might not even know you have them, but if you have inherited Grandmas clothing, shopped at an estate sale, thrift store or even are just known as a clothes hoarder (admit it, you can't let go of your favorite sweater from college)... chances are good that you have them. Well stuffed closets of even contemporary clothes offer a perfect, dark habitat for dust mites and moths.

The most effective way to freeze these pests is to hang your clothing outside, for at least eight hours and have the humidity in the air be under 60%. Or you can choose to fold your items into the freezer and keep them there overnight, just be sure not to pack the freezer too tightly. Let the clothes have a chance to breathe and get the cold air in.

See this on your clothes? Chances are you have a moth problem.

Other effective ways for combating these pests is to make sure your items are clean
before storing them, as moth larvae LOVE soiled garments. Store your clean clothing in plastic bags in a cool room. Central heat and a warm rooms makes for a welcoming habitat for these pests.

Also, a thorough spring cleaning at least once a year will help maintain a pest free environment. Our Grandparents generation had the right idea by literally cleaning out, scrubbing and dusting every part of the house. Make sure to take out all clothing, shake it out, open windows, dust and clean out drawers and closets. 

I can't tell you how many times I have been on a White Glove Estate pull where I find the likes of vintage Christian Dior, Emanuel Ungaro and similar destroyed by moths and mites and wanted to cry. I hope that sharing this knowledge keeps your valuables damage free to enjoy for many more years.

Ciao for now!
XXOO
Christine Sanderson
-Le Thrift Consignment

This Winter Might be the Best Thing for Your Vintage Clothes

I keep reading predictions in the media that this winter will bring the  strongly anticipated La Nina, the absolute opposite of an El Nino winter in Chicago. What does this mean to us? Icy storms, lots of snow and a heavy helping of frigid air. 

Although, this prediction of a 2016 winter deep freeze might be the best thing for our vintage clothes.

The famous fur that Carrie Bradshaw wore.

I had first acquired this knowledge when I went to go visit my client for a White Glove Pickup in a gorgeous Ukrainian Village apartment in Chicago. The type of building with the huge front porches and colorful flowers tumbling down the side. My client was consigning her mother's items and immediately when I walked into her apartment, I could see that this woman had exquisite taste. I was excited to see and learn about her mother and the stories of how she collected these clothes.

It was then, as we were rifling through her furs, fine wools and leathers that my client mentioned to me that her Mother used to "freeze" her furs. I chuckled and then listened intensely as it sounded non conventional do to this, however I am always excited to learn new things, especially about properly caring for finer clothing.

She told me stories about how her mother would in the dead of winter hang her finest items out in the open cold air and freeze them. Although, her neighbors might of wondered what she was up to, she was rather smart as it was an effective way to rid of dust mites and moth larvae.

See no matter how meticulous you are with your items, especially vintage, you are always running the risk of these little buggers ruining your clothing. Freezing kills the mites and larvae in an effective, inexpensive and green way. 

You might not even know you have them, but if you have inherited Grandmas clothing, shopped at an estate sale, thrift store or even are just known as a clothes hoarder (admit it, you can't let go of your favorite sweater from college)... chances are good that you have them. Well stuffed closets of even contemporary clothes offer a perfect, dark habitat for dust mites and moths.

The most effective way to freeze these pests is to hang your clothing outside, for at least eight hours (sun helps) and have the humidity in the air be under 60%. Or you can choose to fold your items into the freezer and keep them in there overnight,just be sure not to pack it too tightly.

See this on your clothes? Chances are you have a moth problem.

Other effective ways for combating these pests is to make sure your items are clean
before storing them, as moth larvae LOVE soiled garments. Store your clean clothing in plastic bags in a cool room. Central heat and a warm rooms makes for a welcoming habitat for these pests.

Also, a thorough spring cleaning at least once a year will help maintain a pest free environment. Our Grandparents generation had the right idea by literally cleaning out, scrubbing and dusting every part of the house. Make sure to take out all clothing, shake it out, open windows, dust and clean out drawers and closets. 

I can't tell you how many times I have been on a White Glove Estate pull where I find the likes of vintage Christian Dior, Emanuel Ungaro and similar destroyed by moths and mites and wanted to cry. I hope that sharing this knowledge keeps your valuables damage free to enjoy for many more years.

Ciao for now!
XXOO
Christine Sanderson
-Le Thrift Consignment

A Foxy New Adventure

This summer we received news that Zoe was not getting into the desired highs school she was hoping for. This for many Chicago Mothers is a huge dilemma, when their child is not accepted into the right school and they have the choice of moving to the suburbs or paying for private school. My husband and I searched all over the suburbs, but the property taxes were not attractive to us in a state that runs their budget beyond poorly. The other alternative, private school, we were not excited at the fact of paying for tuition when we are self-employed and responsible for others.

It was then we began searching for alternatives. My husband and I had lived in the city for most of our lives (myself 20 years and my husband longer) and our daughter was born and raised there. We deliberately wanted her to be surrounded with cultural diversity and have a great understanding of the complexity of our world.

We loved our city and her school, and with that we built our businesses. All to feel rejected when it came time to choose a high school.

Chicago has definitely changed, the crime has run rampant, and considering myself a true Chicagoan have lived in a variety of diverse neighborhoods from fringe to upscale. I no longer felt safe. It did not help that recently my daughter and I were shouted at and tailed home by a man who had shown that his intentions were up to no good after simply renting a Red Box movie down the street. It took my husband running outside and threatening him to ward him off. He was not expecting my husband to be there.

There were several other incidents in our neighborhood that helped usher our decision to look for alternatives. After all, if it was just my husband and I, we would not care as much. Big cities have crime and problems that ebb and flow. But, our daughter who is now a independent teen, was the one I worried about.

Although, I won't give up on Chicago. I am keeping my business there, and LOVE my city, even though it is going through a rough patch. It was then I was searching for alternatives. After all, I was an entrepreneur that can push for creativity and work from anywhere?

It was then we decided to move to our lake house that we had been renting out to people on AirBnB. A beautiful 100 year old Craftsman farmhouse. Nearby, the public high school was excellent with a great education that we could offer our daughter. Needless to say, I am lucky enough to have a staff that I can rely on while working remotely.

Our abode where we will be staying the next 9 months. Our hobby to restore & a work in progress.

Besides, I was myself in a rut. My business is humming along, but not growing. As many entrepreneurs can relate, I was working more IN the business rather than ON the business. I needed a chance to step away, regroup and refocus. My husband being self-employed had projects that he could work on remotely. Why not give it a try? After all we were two hours from Chicago? I could come in weekly to check on the store, while really focusing my efforts on GROWING the business.

I can't say much about what is to come with Le Thrift Consignment, although it is all positive as I harness creativity to make it a more successful company for my customers, consignors and employees (I don't want my competitors to know the next move). Besides, thinking outside the box had always been what has made Le Thrift successful to go up against others that are richly funded by venture capitalists.

Then reality hit me as my friend was visiting a few weeks ago. I was really moving to the country. The real country. Late at night as we were sitting by the lake, we saw in the shadows something that resembled our dog. Although, it was long and lanky. It trotted directly towards us in the shadows of the trees, away from the light. As it came closer, my friend and I realized it was a large, adult female fox who was just as startled as us when we came into contact. It was then the reality of this city girl was really making a change in life.

Our new female fox neighbor who has a den of cubs nearby.

Although, this is just a launching pad for where we are going next. We decided as a family that we were up for an adventure and trying out new things. As long as our daughter has a good education, we are going to move again.  This experience now is a test to make sure that my staff and I smooth out the details before jumping again to another city. 

While most children would fear this type of life, our daughter who is aspiring to be a travel writer, is jumping into it. She is excited about meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and lifestyles.

Moving forward Chicago will always be considered our home base. It is truly one of the most magnificent cities in the world. It is my really my hope that the politicians that run the city and the state can put us back on track. The people of Chicago deserve better.

Fave of the Day - The Louis Vuitton Lionette Damier Handbag

Louis Vuitton Lionette Damier Handbag

This handbag is for the lioness who wants stand-out style. The Lionette is sophisticated because it mimics the popular Damier handbags, but in luxurious pony hair. Part of the Dice Sauvage Collection, there are two gorgeous, gold, LV dice at the tassel of handbag. At the price $429.99, you are receiving a great deal as 1st Dibbs is asking $1200 and The Real Real is asking $490 for the same handbag.

As always Le Thrift Consignment guarantees authenticity.

Come see it at the boutique or shop here.

Features of this handbag:

- Pony hair exterior
- Chocolate leather trim
- Check Damier pattern in tan and chocolate
- 2 Top handles for carrying
- Gold-tone "LV" dice tassels
- Mid snap closure
- Slit compartment back
- Open compartment
- Side slip interior pocket
- Terracotta Alcantara lining
- Made in Italy
- Date code: SE0012

Condition: Wear/balding spots throughout trim & corners, light surface scratches on hardware, faint scuffs on base.

Measurements
Length: 10"
Width: 3"
Height: 7"
Depth: 4.5"
Strap drop: 3.5"

100% Authenticity Guarantee

New Designer Consignment Arrivals This Week

Hello everyone. Every week we are going to feature the new arrivals that just came in our store. You can shop them online here at www.LeThrift.com or stop by our boutique at 1821 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL. Today Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th - enjoy our in-store sale at 20% off.



We have some exciting news coming up for all our consignment loving fashionistas that we will announce next week on our blog. Stay tuned... but for now enjoy our video.

XO
Le Thrift Consignment

Two More Days of our 25% off Sale!

It's sweater weather!
And we are giving you 25% off.
Wednesday, November 4th through Friday, November 6th.



Racks of designer brands at
a price you will love!

 
Missoni, Vince, Balenciaga, Versace, Moschino, Alexander Wang, Valentino, 

 Alice & Olivia, Kate Spade & Tory Burch

For a few days only! Stock up on cashmere sweaters, vintage coats, fabulous boots and more! 

Hours: Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm, Thursday-Friday 11 am - 7 pm.

Excludes premium designer handbags.
10% off premium handbags.

Le Thrift Consignment
1821 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
www.LeThrift.com

The Spotlight Series with CLEO Events

Want to go to a fun, networking, fashion-fueled party? 

Join the ladies of CLEO for a second installment of the "Spotlight Series" at Le Thrift Consignment, Thursday November 19th from 6-9 pm. The purpose of these events is to bring awareness on one woman owned/operated business and give you an insider introduction and perspective on women entrepreneurship. 

Owner Christine Sanderson will be providing a holiday fashion showcase.  Complimentary micro brew will be sampled by Chicago's first Botanic Brewery, Forbidden Root (Forbiddenroot.com) and gourmet appetizers will be served by Dream Dinners, located in West Town (Dreamdinners.com). During the event, Le Thrift Consignment will offer 15% off of vintage and designer gems and 50% off sale items. There will also be a bar serving wine and sangria with donation to Cleo and future women driven entrepreneurial events.

To find out more about this free event and sign up
go to https://www.facebook.com/events/897480106994732/ .

Who is Cleo?

Chicago Ladies Entrepreneur Organization (CLEO) strives to encourage and empower female business owners through unique collaborations and events.

CLEO was an idea that was born with Rachel Palos of Rad Ass Party and Liliana Salamanca of Sweet Lady Flan. Liliana and Rachel met in the summer of 2013 and began working together for various events. They had one great thing in common: both had just started their own businesses. They began discussing various components of starting and running a business. After attending a few networking events together, they saw the potential in doing similar events. They wanted to create an organization to help other female entrepreneurs, while also networking and bringing awareness to each others businesses. 

A previous Cleo Event

The sole purpose for creating this organization is for women entrepreneurs to have a platform for empowerment and collaboration with each other. The first event was in December of 2013 and featured five female business owners. In less than a year, the involvement has grown to over 20 female entrepreneurs or business owners.

www.facebook.com/cleoeventschicago

$10 Sale: This Weekend Only!

Looking for some super thirfty deals?  Or just want to add some fun pieces to your wardrobe?  Stop by Le Thrift this weekend for our $10 sale!  We have a large selection of clothing, shoes, and handbags on sale for only $10.  That's right- designer pieces for only 10 bucks!  Just because it's freezing outside, doesn't mean you can't look HOT on a budget.  Hurry up to our Wicker Park location (1754 West Division) because these items will only be deeply discounted this weekend.

-Lauren Berger

Le Thrift Falls for Fashion

Looking for the perfect fall look?  Le Thrift has plenty to offer your fall wardrobe including designer boots, comfy sweaters, perfect jackets, and accessories galore.  I styled this look using a mix of modern and vintage pieces to create a versatile ensemble.  Pair this look with tights and it's suitable for work.  Or swap the sweater for a black sleeveless top for a night out.  Tired of wearing the same old necklaces?  A helpful styling tip: wrap a sequined scarf around your neck and secure it with an interesting brooch (we're digging our vintage gold owl!).  

-Lauren Berger

SHOP THE LOOK:

(Sequined Black Scarf, $18.99)

(Vintage Owl Pin $19.99)

(Linda Loudermilk Top, $42.99)

(St. John Skirt $49.99)

(Cole Haan Leather Booties, $84.99)

Photography by Teen Vini.

Model is Lindsey Gonzalez.

Look Styled By Lauren Berger.

Designer Spotlight: Peggy Davis Design

Le Thrift loves to support local Chicago designers.  One of our favorites is Peggy Davis.  Peggy Davis re-constructs well-loved vintage pieces to create fresh, funky, and modern new fashion.  We are going gaga over the new fall items that just arrived at Le Thrift.  You can find Peggy Davis Design at Le Thrift's Wicker Park boutique.  For more info, visit PeggyDavisDesign.com.


Here are a few of our favorite new arrivals, get them before they're gone!


-Lauren Berger

Photos courtesy of peggydavisdesign.com

Introducing Lauren Berger as our Guest Le Thriftonista Blogger

Le Thrift is very excited to announce Lauren Berger as our guest Le Thriftonista blogger.

Lauren will be covering new arrivals at the store, fall and winter trends, promotions and all the fun events Le Thrift will be having over the holiday season.

Lauren Berger is a senior studying Fashion Business at Columbia College Chicago. She writes and styles looks for her personal blog, Mild Medium Hot. In her free time, Lauren enjoys blogging, exploring Chicago, and watching Audrey Hepburn films. Lauren’s fashion belief is that women can dress fabulously- no matter what their budget is!