Domestic Distractions

thrifted shirt, Gap skirt, Banana Republic wedges, vintage scarf

So far, I've kept up with my resolutions to start exercising and stop shopping. I know it's only been a week since I've started jogging, but it's already been about three weeks since I've bought an article of clothing. I'm not lying when I say that's an accomplishment for me. If you know me at all, you know that I'm a shopper at heart. I'm just trying to stay busy so that I don't even have time to think about shopping. It was easy this past weekend because we were out of town, but it's been harder to keep my mind off it since we got back.

All I can think about is the Goodwill Blue Hanger outlet and those huge bins filled to the brim with treasures for me to find. It's kind of a problem.

I kept myself occupied yesterday evening by convincing my boyfriend to help me finally put away our Christmas tree and clean out our extra closet. Then, I cooked dinner and folded the laundry. If domesticity is the only thing keeping me from shopping, I'm all for it.

Attempting to be an Entrepreneur

Old Navy pants, thrifted boots and sweater from Goodwill, gifted scarf from
my boyfriend's grandmother, Calvin Klein pea coat from Burlington Coat Factory

If you don't already know, I've recently started an Etsy store selling vintage clothing. I started it less than a month ago and I've already sold two items! I literally jumped for joy when I got the email telling me that I'd sold my first item. The novelty of selling something all by myself still hadn't worn off yet when I sold my second item yesterday. I like to check my email while I'm still in bed in the mornings (as a way to avoid actually getting up) and when I found out I sold another item, I jumped out of bed and fist-pumped the air. No joke. Thanks, Etsy, for getting me out of bed.

I started the store without knowing if anything would actually sell. I just wanted a way to get rid of the stuff I have piling up in my closet...and in the dining room. I'm not doing it so much for profit (although it's been nice), but more of way to give these great vintage pieces I have a home. It's a good feeling knowing that someone is getting use out of out of the awesome stuff I don't have room for anymore.

Be sure to visit my Etsy store at the same name as my blog, The Closet de Natalie!

I Have a Job!

Gap corduroy pants, Gap leather jacket from Buffalo Exchange, thrifted striped shirt,
thrifted Nine West wedges, estate sale necklace gifted by my step-mom 

I'm a working woman again! I got my old job at Gap back and although it's not what I thought I'd be doing after graduating college, at least I'm making money. This outfit was what I wore for my first day back on the sales floor. I wanted to wear something from Gap for good luck and these pants were perfect to pull on when I was called in with less than 30 minutes to get ready and be at the store. Even though it's been about a year and half since I'd worked there, it's all coming back pretty quickly. It's a fun job because (duh) I love Gap and the store is in a great location right next to Central Market. I forgot how much I loved walking around there during my breaks. Free samples of fancy cheese and crusty bread? Yes, please!

I'm only working at Gap part-time, so I'm still looking for something else to fill my time and make enough money to pay my half of the rent and bills. I have another interview tomorrow, so wish me luck!

My New Favorite Skirt

thirifted blouse from Goodwill Blue Hanger, thrifted skirt from Thrift Town,
thrifted boots from Goodwill, scarf from Dillard's

Nobody ever told me velvet was so comfy to wear. It felt like I was wearing a pajama skirt all day. In fact, this skirt is totally my version of the pajama jeans. I know those have been around for awhile, but I just saw the commercial for the first time today. I was amazed, not because I wanted them, but that anyone would actually be foolish enough to buy a pair of super strechy spandex jeans that probably show off every lump and bump you want to hide. Instead of wearing stretch pants, try a super soft skirt instead. You'll thank me.

Not Quite Scarf Weather

thrifted blouse from Goodwill Blue Hanger, Gap corduroy pants, scarf from Cream Vintage, Zara flats

I've got a a busy week ahead of me. After class today, I'm conducting a video interview at Treasure City Thrift for my class blog, Recycled and Reworn, squeezing in some quick thrifting at Texas Thrift Store (30 percent off on Tuesdays for college students!), buying sushi-making supplies with Matt, and ending the day celebrating National Taco Day with good friends. And that's just today! The rest of the week is filled with paper-writing, video-editing, and working at the store until the weekend, when I'll be spending time with my mom. She's coming to Austin to visit my sister and I for a few days. I can't wait to see her!