Fashion Hoot

My grandmother recently gave me this adorable vintage Owl Pin.

 I can't wait to show him off on scarves, sweaters, & cardigans.

 I love the antiqued colors - green, red, yellow & orange.  

He's a hoot!!

What are your thoughts?

I hope you have enjoyed JavaJournal <3

Late Night Hobby Turns Day Time Hit!

One evening I was in the mood the create and pick up my knitting that I have neglected for months. My goal was to create a knitted piece that could be worn year round, rather than only in the winter months. BOOM the knitted headband with bow was born [creative name, I know] I was hesitant to post a picture of it on facebook, not knowing if it would be a hit or not. Instantly, I received messages asking about the headband. Within only 5 minutes I had three orders and by the following morning I had a total of 11 orders! 

And to top that off, a high school teacher is graciously donating all of her tubs of yarn! How sweet!! :) I have quite a few more creations up my sleeve and I can't wait to get started!

Knitted Headband with Bow - $7 [color of choice, contact me if interested]

I hope you have enjoyed JavaJournal.

Stay True. Enjoy Life. Take Risks. Stay Strong.

Goodwill Haul from QUARTER Day!!!

What a successful shopping spree at Goodwill on Quarter Day! I hope you're as excited as I am about great deals and super bargain steals. As alway, enjoy JavaJournal! 

 Take a look at this unique coffee mug made by Big Sky Carvers. The top portion is a bronze-y  color which compliments the mocha patterned bottom portion. The attractive handle and adorable black bird made this mug too cute to pass up!  A single mug by Big Sky Carvers is approximately $15.
The Goodwill price? $0.88!!  Saved -  $14.12

This fun and funky mug is by Sandra Magsamen. Live, Laugh, Love it!
The loud and outspoken handle creates a comfortable grip and easy balance while holding the mug. I was pleasantly surprised by how pleasant it is to hold this mug. On average, mugs by Sandra, like the once pictured above, cost between $10-$25. The Goodwill price? Try $0.38!
 Let's say the mug cost $15. Saved - $14.62

How can you have coffee mugs without the coffee maker?  My boyfriend's coffee maker went kaput, and Goodwill came to the rescue with a $6.38 coffee pot!!
A Mr. Coffee on average costs $25. Saved - $18.75

Three new western shirts for the boyfriend! Two Chaps by Ralph Lauren and One by Wrangler.
  Each shirt originally cost approximately $30.
The steal? I bought 2 for a quarter and one for $3.38! Total Saved - $86.12


Let's Add it Up!
Total Approximate Original Price - $130-$140
Goodwill Total - $11.52 
Total Saved - $118 - $128Now that's a bargain!

I hope this has inspired you to discover a new way to save money while shopping! Gotta love Goodwill :)

 

Brrr! February Thrifted Fashion

 Spring has not yet sprung, which means bundling up for February! Who says layers can't be lovely?
This neutral colored outfit consists of a Gray/Brown top [Goodwill] $3.38, Gap Cotton and Insulated Cargo Vest by Gap [Goodwill] $2.29, Faded Jeans by Maurices [Goodwill] $4.36, Colombian Boots [FREE! A friend of the family gave them to me] Accessories include a vintage necklace with white floral beading, and silver, stone, and beaded bracelets. The jewelry adds color and brightens up the cream/brown hues of the vest and top.

Goodwill Total: $10.03!!!

Layer up! :) [it's almost spring]

Goodwill, KKG Style

Goodwill Shopping Spree

        Sorority sister and friend Katie Elder dedicated her Saturday afternoon to a shopping spree at our local Goodwill Store. In search of necessities for her new upcoming summer apartment, Katie struck gold with all of her funky glassware, jazzy plates, and two new clothing pieces to add to her wardrobe. With a purchase of over 25 items - Katie spent less than $20!!! Congrats to Katie! :)

Going Global

While reflecting on my New Year Resolution from 2010, I began brainstorming ideas for the year 2011. Something new – Something creative – Something GLOBAL…Periodically, I look over the blogger stats and have noticed that men and woman from around the world are clicking in and viewing Java Journal. In response, my goal this year is to represent the Global Audience of Java Journal. You are now my inspiration, and thrifting is my resource.

Over the course of the year, fashion and style [hair, clothing, make-up] from various diverse countries around the world will be the inspiration for new style represented at Java Journal. Shout out to countries currently following Java Journal – United States, Slovenia, Germany, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, United Kingdom, Poland, France, China, and Norway!! Thank you for the support!!!  Enjoy Java Journal J

-photo from Google Images [world face]

Fashion Forward or a Blast from the Past?

       

     When designing these bracelets, my goal was to use a natural element. [Cedar to be exact] My dad graciously cut circles into a piece of cedar and  added a textured pattern to the edges. I then wrapped yarn around one of the bracelets - for comfort, and fashionable reasons. I'm currently playing with ideas of how to wrap the bracelets in different patterns and color, or to even wrap them at all. They look adorable when incorporated with scarves and knit belts. The next bracelet will be square! But there's nothing square about this new accessory haha Enjoy! [have an opinion? leave a comment!] 

Hand Crafted Ear Rings

   


      I am in a crafty mood this afternoon and decided to design a pair of ear rings. I love the hues of brown, gold, and rust. Enjoy :)

New Year Resolution 2010 - Conquered

          On January 10, 2010, my New Year Resolution was to wear an item from Goodwill every day for an entire year. I am only 8 days away from completing this bargain fashion quest! This journey has taught me how to channel my interests into a direction that can help others. By purchasing items from Goodwill, I am contributing to a foundation that prides themselves in helping others. Hey, the product of my shopping may have gone towards helping someone find a job. In addition, by informing others of my deals and steals I am setting an example of  how to be "smart spenders." Who doesn't love saving money and finding bargains? I hope you enjoy some of the highlights from 365 days of Goodwill. Thanks for your support :)

Cute & Cozy Headbands

Cute & Cozy
These knitted headbands are cozy for your ears and stylish! I designed the headbands with the goal of creating a knitting project that is both simple and efficient. The buttons are recycled from miscellaneous clothing and hand sewn on the headband. After making headbands for both myself and my friends, they quickly gained attention. I am now selling them for $6 a piece. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing your own knitted headband! :)

Pleasant Surprise for a Plaid Picnic

     This Christmas my best friend Cassie surprised me with an antique plaid picnic set! We had been antiquing together the previous month, and when I spotted this plaid set I instantly fell in love. What a wonderful surprise!! :) The set consists of a plaid canvas bag with leather handles, two traveling mugs with glass interior, and a red plastic storage box. Thanks Cassie! <3

Beauty, Naturally

From Trash to Treasure,
      An Old Necklace Takes on a New Style




      Today I was feeling a bit crafty and decided to sift through some of my beads in storage. I came across these matching beads I salvaged from an old necklace - and after some brainstorming - I made ear rings! These are the first pair of ear rings I have ever made, and they're not too shabby. :)  The pattern reminds me of sea shells or stripes from the Sahara. I paired the shell beads with a couple of complimentary beads and vuala!

Sunday Attire, In the Spirit of Christmas

In the spirit of the holidays, my Sunday morning attire reflected a few common Christmas colors.

-Steal-

Goodwill Top [light brown, the color of dirty snow]

- $3.38

Goodwill Skirt [pleated, browns, reds, and off whites] - $3.38

Scarf - FREE with purchase of a pair of shoes at Younkers

-Splurge-

Rhinestone Belt - $50

Brown Suede Boots - $110 [on sale, not pictured]

Church Attire !

Jacket - Goodwill - $4.38

Green Sweater - Goodwill - $4.38

Black Skirt - Goodwill - 25c

Looking cute while getting my praise on....you guessed it, Priceless ;)

Greek Formal Meeting

Green Jacket - Goodwill - $1.38 or $3.38 [I can't remember]

I absolutely love this funky green jacket. However, the picture does not do the color justice. The original color is comparable to a bright teal green shade.

Volunteering for Adoption Day

Black Top - Goodwill - $3.38

Skirt - Goodwill - 25c

[the pockets on this skirt are my favorite feature]

In celebration of Adoption Day, my greek sisters and I volunteered our time to assist with directing families, hosting the refreshment table, and of course, cleaning, after the program. It was a great experience. :)

Goodwill Get-Up

Bring sequence to the office or lecture hall by introducing down-town to button-down. :)

Striped Button Down - $3.38

Brown Sequence Tank - $1.38

Brown n' Bold necklace - FREE [gift]

Goodwill - College Business Forum

Nine West Heels - $4.38

Pink Sweater - $3.38

Gray Tank Top - 25c

matching lipstick...a definite must ;)

Goodwill: Sticking to my Resolution

Still going strong with my New Year's Resolution to wear something from Goodwill and/or Thrifty every.single.day.

Top by Old Navy

Goodwill: $1.38

Skirt by Unknown

Goodwill: $3.38

It's a bit difficult to tell, but the green skirt is embellished with silver stitching and small sequence flowers. :) A-dor-a-ble

A Tad of Goodwill

Intermixing Goodwill items will lower the expenses of an outfit without taking away your desired look.

Shop. Save. Goodwill.

Vest and Pearl Snap Button down by Goodwill

Cardigan and Halter [25c] Top by Goodwill

Cream Top by Goodwill

Photography by Belen Mata