Backyard Boutique 2

You may remember the first ever Backyard Boutique I posted at the beginning of the summer (see post) organized and hosted by my friends Kaley and Elizabeth.  I am so pleased that they gave us a second opportunity to take advantage of their amazing deals on items from garage sales and thrifts stores.  Not only are these prices unbelievably low but the items are often name brands and mixed in are authentic vintage pieces.  Lori and I scooped up some wonderful treasures at bargain basement prices.  Take a look!

Kaley explains the rules before the live auction.  I wish I had taken more pictures because you can't see all the items to the right.  There were tons of things.  All from the efforts of two woman (who have 6 boys between them, yes that's right).  Guess what else?  They home school too.  Their energy and ingenuity is inspiring.

Lori is ready to bid...

Here are just a few of the treasures I got:

Kaley knew that I like these federal style mirrors so she grabbed this one.  I was happy to take it off her hands.

 My equestrian style gallery wall in our office is coming along nicely now.

Speaking of equestrian, check out these perfect black leather boots!  They fit perfectly ( and I don't have to tell you how difficult it is to find knee boots that fit properly).

 I have to say, this is my favorite purchase of the event.  Vintage, ankle- wrap, sandals in perfect vintage condition.  They are made entirely of leather, even the soles.  I have worn them a dozen times already.  Check out the color combination.

 How adorable is this little floral purse.  It is the perfect transitional summer to fall item.

 How about this olive green lady bag?  I love it so much.

These didn't quite fit Lori so I lucked out and get to keep them.  

I feel so special that Kaley let me look at her goodie bag of vintage pieces that she wasn't selling at the boutique.  I really liked one and she told me to 'make her an offer' so I got to take this little beauty home with me in order to create a few new looks...

What I like so much about this dress, beside the fact that it is pure elegance, is that it can be styled in numerous ways.  Here I just paired it with a casual belt and leather peep toe wedges and a double strand necklace.  It reads casual but still work appropriate.  I think it has that right summer to fall feel about it, too.

I got this grey wool jacket at the boutique as well.  Throw it over the dress and add a scarf and brown oxford inspired heels and I will be ready for the cooler days ahead.

Thanks again Kaley and Elizabeth!  We love our new pieces.  You really are fantastic bargain shoppers.

Backyard Boutique

 My beautiful friends Elizabeth and Kaley came up with a great idea:  they love garage sales and thrift stores and would always find more great things than they needed or could use, so they thought they would give their friends an opportunity to get in on the goods.  Ingenious.  

 There were even some yummy snacks to munch as I enjoyed catching up with my friends and meeting a few new ones.

They made these cute little bidding paddles.

 Looking through the racks of goodies.

 Look at how well organized it all is.  The table in this picture was "buy it now." I liked how they mixed methods of silent auction, buy it now and bidding; it kept things moving.

We browsed the tables of items that would later be auctioned (I had my eye on the straw bag).

 The clothes on the lines all had cards which we could write our paddle number and our bid on.  At the end we all went over to see the things we bid on and find out if we got to take them home.

I bid on this cute vintage dress!

 The bidding was fun and went quickly.  Everyone had a great attitude and there was even some friendly competition.

Look at my great new outfit!  Thanks ladies--can't wait for the next one!