dollar store dreams

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You may be surprised to know that the Fashion Huntress did not previously know about the magic that is a good dollar store. How did I not know about this, for real, you guys? Let’s start with the fact that not all dollar stores seem to be created equal, but a good one is totally worth its weight in gold. Seriously, get me outta that place, because I could see it getting out of control really fast as I buy $100 worth of dollar store items! Okay, but let’s get down to the highlights/gems I recently found: nail decals and crafting supplies. I went for marbles for my DIY (do it yourself) necklace, and then found these great animal print nail decals.

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By the way, DIY instructions for necklace can be found via this great tutorial by a blogger named Kerri.

Anywho, I’m a fan of the dollar store, readers. A big fan. The necklace cost me, wait for it, 15 cents to make. I mean, are there words? It’s just good old fashioned fun to craft and relax, and even more fun when you’re not breaking the bank via crafting hobbies. Dollar Store? First time visitor, long time fan.

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Cardigan: Banana Republic ($15 marked down from approx $110)

Button down: Nordstrom Rack ($20 marked down from approx $45)

Pants: Gap ($7 marked down from $60)

Shoes: Nine West via consignment ($8, retails for approx $100)

Necklace: made it!

Ring: Marc by Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack ($15 marked down from $50)

Nails: Dollar Store ($1)

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Fashion Huntress tips:

1) As I mentioned, not all dollar stores are created equal. Some of them are not actually dollar stores. What? I know. Confusing. But in the real deal stores, everything is a dollar. Even if you’re not into crafting, I still recommend going for the cheap beauty thrills. The nail decals are definitely good quality and are significantly cheaper than any others I have seen in the past. I do recommend using a base coat before you put them on to ensure they adhere properly- and then add a topcoat when you’re finished. I’m sure some of their beauty stuff is not great quality, but just look through what they have and see for yourself. Especially with trendy beauty products, you can always try out a $1 version and decide if it’s worth investing in other products from other stores as well.  

2) I went with all sorts of patterns and colors in this outfit, but tried to keep the look mostly neutral in terms of the basics; the pants are a neutral gray and the top is a neutral denim. When your basics are neutral, you can layer and add all sorts of colors with your other pieces. Denim tops are one item that I consider to be a definite staple. I try and keep one light denim and one dark denim top on hand at all times for a quick go-to outfit. Gap, to me, is definitely known for their durable denim, as is J Crew. I also like Nordstrom Rack for denim tops, as you can get great quality for a good price. 

Anyone else jumping on the dollar store bandwagon?!

Thank you so much for stopping by, readers! I appreciate it so much!

51 replies to “dollar store dreams

  1. Those shoes are amazing… (in my singing voice). I love a good dollar store. It’s where I get alot of craft supplies. I have to check out the necklace tutorial, it’s really cute.

  2. I totally remember making a necklace just like this when I was younger, except it was an orange and black fabric for Halloween 🙂 Yours turned out so cute! And now I am really dying to find a polka dot button down thanks to you! Fantastic outfit!

  3. I’m a $1 store junkie! The secret to $1 store success (meaning leaving the store with money still in your pocket lol) is to go in there with a set amount of cash. Otherwise, get ready to adjust your budget lol

  4. Oh a good dollar store….it can be almost as dangerous as Target. But nail decals? I hadn’t thought to look for those! I’ll have to check for them. Another good buy? Craft paper/Scrapbook paper. If you’re getting crafty the paper can be expensive, but if you find some pretty papers for $1? go for it.
    XO
    PS. Stop with those shoes. I love.

  5. Yaay you discovered the wonders of one dollar shopping 😀 Or as we have it here 5 kunas every five weeks… And crafts! Yes! I always search for something to make into something else 🙂 Or a fabric…Diamond to buy there…

  6. Love the denim paired with the bright yellow! I’m a huge dollar store fan—it’s my monthly go-to joint for household knick-knacks, supplies, and even junk food (chocolates, chips, etc…), hee hee hee!

  7. Bright colors! You look awesome! I love your shoes and especially the fact that they costed you only $8, cant believe it:))) I love how you paired this cardi with denim! We also have but we call it 2 dollar shop I ve been there couple times I buy usually pins for hair:)))

  8. most importantly, i’m loving the necklace. and second- i cannot even tell you how many times i’ve tried to convince people to try the dollar store again after an initial bad experience – some will be amazing and some will be awful and it’s all about finding the one with penny deals that get you inspired and loading up your pockets with this that and the other 🙂

    1. It depends- I run in and out sometimes once a week, but once their sales on sale section are over, I generally don’t go back until the sales are back 🙂 It seems that they go in spurts of having 30-40% off their sale section…and then I won’t see it again for a few months. I haven’t quite figured out their system yet~!

  9. seriously love this outfit! love how well the polka dotted denim shirt goes with the fresh and bright cardigan! ❤

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