Month: July 2020

In Cahoots! Podcast returns! Quarantine Catch-up

The show notes for this week’s podcast episode!

Hello everyone!

The In Cahoots! podcast is back! In this episode I talk all about how I’ve been feeling since graduating college a year ago in 2019, and how unconventional that year has been. Especially since the beginning of the quarantine.

Creators mentioned:

Check out Jazmine Rogers for all your thrifted fashion and sustainable lifestyle! Follow her @ThatCurlyTop on Instagram, and That Curly Top on YouTube. Click here to listen to Jazmine’s interview on the Pre-Loved Podcast!

Check out one of my oldest friends Cassie Braun for some awesome bookish content for my fellow readers out there! Follow her @manoshgirl51 on Instagram, and Cassie Braun on YouTube.

Here is the RSS feed where you can listen to the newest episode and all past episodes!

Quarantine Catch-up: reflecting on the Covid-19 crisis and my first year as a post grad – The Ginger Introvert Podcast

In this episode I talk all about how I've been feeling since graduating college a year ago in 2019, and how unconventional that year has been. Especially since the beginning of the quarantine. This is an especially vulnerable episode, since I talk about how I have struggled with finding a full time job since graduating, and how I got laid off from my part-time gig at the beginning of quarantine. Creators to check out: Check out Jazmine Rogers for all your thrifted fashion and sustainable lifestyle! Follow her @ThatCurlyTop on Instagram, and That Curly Top on YouTube. Check out one of my oldest friends Cassie Braun for some awesome bookish content for my fellow readers out there! Follow her @manoshgirl51 on Instagram, and Cassie Braun on YouTube. Where to follow Liz: You can follow @thegingerintrovert on Insta for all of my blog content and some thrifted fashion inspiration! I also have new posts on The Ginger Introvert website on Tuesdays and Thursdays, all about thrifted and sustainable fashion! I also have a page where I sell vintage clothing as well, and you can follow my shop @thegingerthrift on Instagram, or @thegingerintrovert on the Depop app. I drop new inventory every Friday!  Additionally, if you're a big reader like me, you should follow my Bookstagram @gingerintrovertreads to see what I'm reading on a weekly basis! Click here to access the full show notes, including all these links and a full transcription on The Ginger Introvert website!
  1. Quarantine Catch-up: reflecting on the Covid-19 crisis and my first year as a post grad
  2. A quick life update + 2020 favorites!
  3. Reflecting on 2019 and welcoming 2020!
  4. Ep.4: Witchy & Spooky Goodness
  5. The In Cahoots! Spooktacular episode, reading "The Cask of Amontillado"

The transcript:

Well hello there! You are In Cahoots with Liz, and welcome to another episode of my little podcast. Today, I’m going to be talking about the last year of my life, and how my first year after graduating college was basically a disaster even before corona. Or, so I thought.

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Now before I start talking about today’s topic, I wanted to use a little bit of this time to highlight a Black creator that I’ve really been enjoying this week! I’m going to try to do this every week, so that I can lift up some wonderful voices who are doing great work within this space! So first I’m going to ask you all to go follow That Curly Top over on Instagram! I discovered Jazmine’s content through the Pre Loved Podcast, and I was really intrigued to hear her story. She is a sustainable lifestyle and fashion influencer, and her Instagram is truly beautiful. Whenever I see she has new posts or insta stories I click on them immediately! She is just one of those people that you can tell has a beautiful soul, and I love everything she shares about her life and her fashion, which I also find super inspiring. She is a big thrifter, and champions sustainability in everything she does! She just recently started posting on YouTube as well, and I have been so enjoying those too. They all have a warmth to them, like you’re hanging out with a friend. One more thing I really like about Jazmine is that she is a woman of faith, and her mission statement as a Christian seems to be similar to my own. An example of this is the bible verse that she has in Instagram bio, which is Isaiah 58 6-7. This verse reads: 

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

 I’ve clearly been gushing for a while, so I’ll just say that you all need to go follow her! I think you’ll enjoy her content just as much as I do. I’ll link her Instagram, Youtube, and her interview on the Preloved Podcast in the show notes!

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I graduated one year ago in 2019. I’ve mentioned before, the end of my senior year was a little bit of a dumpster fire. I got dumped during the last month of my senior year, and my life was basically up in smoke right before finals started. But, I was able to rise above. Once all the papers were turned in and the finals were completed, I graduated with honors one sunny May day in 2019. However, I basically had no job prospects in sight, and when I moved out of my last college dorm, I moved back in with my parents, and I’ve been living in my childhood room for the last year, spinning my wheels and not knowing what the fuck to do with my life.

That’s not to say that I didn’t apply for jobs, I beat the pavement so to speak and put myself out there. However, I am planning on becoming an archivist, a career that requires a masters degree. I was originally hoping on getting a full time job for a few years before grad school so that I could knock down my existing student loan debt before I added more to it, but that didn’t work out so well. All the jobs i applied to at my local universities, museums, and libraries that didn’t require a masters degree either didn’t give me an interview, interviewed me and hires someone else, or my personal favorite, got me on a preliminary phone interview and told me after five minutes of talking to me that I wasn’t “right for the job.” Even after I had spent days painstakingly preparing a 13 page outline for said phone interview. Eventually, I was able to get a part time job at Barnes and Noble, and I settled into that position nicely. That is, until Corona hit. Then, I found myself laid off and suddenly without a job again–and back at square one almost exactly a year since my graduation date.

And to tell you the truth, I felt like a loser. But in a round-about way, the Corona Virus helped to put some things into perspective for me.

First, let me give you a little run down of what I have been up to the last few months in quarantine. I found myself with quite a lot of time on my hands and not a whole lot of motivation to do much of anything. By the time Covid hit, my mental health was already pretty shaky. But throw the stress of a pandemic, not having a job and still needing to pay loans, applying for other jobs and not getting them, and all the other things in going on in the world that makes me want to cry on a daily basis. 

And the last few weeks, I found myself slowly developing those same feelings I felt last summer when I got passed over, yet again, for a library job I was not only well qualified for, but extremely excited about. I felt so low after receiving my final “no” to top off a year of “nos,” that I felt thoughts of unworthiness creeping back into my mind once again. I asked myself over and over, will I ever be able to get a good job? Will I ever be able to move out and get my own space? Will I ever be able to stop comparing myself to the people I graduated with, who all have full time jobs? I didn’t know, and it broke my heart over and over for weeks following.

But about a month ago, I had a late night conversation with my boyfriend that proved to be revolutionary for the both of us. When I cried to him for the hundredth time that I felt unhappy and unfulfilled because I had lost this job opportunity, he gave me some much needed perspective. He said to me, think of it this way? You’ve been given the gift of time.

And I realized he was right. Not only in the wake of Corona and a four month quarantine, but the last year as well. When I felt like I was spinning my wheels, I was also processing my wants and needs for the future. Did I really want to become an archivist, and go on to even more schooling and debt? After being granted this gift of time, the answer, it turns out, is yes. I’ve missed school and learning the last year, and now that I’ve discovered that I basically need a masters degree to be hirable and able to compete with others in the field, it’s a step I am now ready to take. And even though I came to this realization too late to apply for the fall semester, I will have six months to hone my application for the spring, enjoy the end of what might be my last year living at home with my parents. It’s really been a comfort to look at this past year as not so much as a burden, but a gift. And if you’ve been struggling and feel stuck during this difficult time in the pandemic, I want to tell you that you’ve been given the gift of time, too.

But I wanted to share something else. Even when I felt like I was spinning my wheels and like I didn’t know what to do, I found other outlets. Late last summer, I started this podcast, and I even found myself writing much more. I found creative fulfillment through these avenues, and they nurtured my soul in ways that a 9 to 5 might not have. And, again, I was given the gift of time to explore these new creative projects. So, if I can give anyone who may be feeling stuck some advice, I would say this: if you are struggling after graduating, or you can’t find a job, or you got laid off or anything, and you’re feeling really low, give yourself a break. Give yourself space and time, and think about what really nurtures you. Whether it be reading, writing, podcasting, exercising, cooking, anything! Dedicate time to that one thing, and even if you’re feeling unfulfilled in your professional sphere, you’ll at least be feeding your soul. And I promise you, you’ll grow so much more than you think. 

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Before I sign off I also want to mention Taylor Swift’s new album, Folklore! I, like everyone, was so super shocked by the surprise release of this album! I’m not going to dedicate an entire episode to the play-by-play reaction of each song like I did last year for Lover, but I thought I would briefly share with you my thoughts and my favorite songs for those who are interested. I thought this album was so down to earth, figuratively and literally with the whole woodsy motif she has going on for the cover art and the “cardigan” music video. I’ve listened to the album multiple times now, and it’s safe for me to say that I liked this album even better than Lover and Reputation. Red and 1989 are two longstanding favorites of mine, and I think Folklore ranks up there with them both for me. My friend cassie said something that I will echo, that this album is like red 2.0, which might be why I love this album so much! I just can’t get over the woodsy, warm vibes of this album, which I think was intentionally made to be super folksy and intimate. I just want to listen to this album on my record player next to a fire with a good book under a heavy crochet blanket while it’s raining or snowing outside. I don’t know… this album is just a vibe! My favorite songs are august, seven, mirrorball, invisible string, epiphany, and the 1. My least favorite ones are Betty, illicit affairs, and exile with Bon Iver. I was super surprised I didn’t like exile, since Bon Iver is one of my go-to fall time and writing soundtrack artists. But I think I’m so used to his whisper singing, that the tone of his true singing voice rattled me. Especially when he was the first to sing in the song, and that was just not what I was expecting. But the rest of the songs are golden, and I think so many of the lyrics are so hard hitting. Like in “the 1,” the line “you know the greatest loves of all time are over now,” which makes me wonder even more about the apparent easter eggs Taylor has talked about leaving in the album. So it always makes me wonder with lyrics like this, what is she trying to say? I guess that’s the most fun about this album for me, its so mysterious.

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And that’s the end of this week’s episode and your cahootsin’ with me, I hope you had an enlightening time. I’m sorry it’s shorter, but I figure it might be nice to just put these little baby episodes out weekly. Next week I’m going to be talking about processing heartbreak, whether it be a breakup or the end of a job or anything like that. So tune in next week, and be sure to check out the shownotes for all the links to the people I mentioned above. Also be sure to follow me on Instagram @thegingerintrovert, and come hang out with me there. And if you liked this podcast, be sure to leave me a review and a rating, it would really make my day! Thank you for listening, have a great weekend!

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Until next time!

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Sustainable Mask Options!

Need some options for where to get yourself some masks sustainably? Look no further!

Hello everyone!

I don’t know about you guys, but at least for the remainder of 2020, it seems like face masks are here to stay. And to be honest I’m more than okay with that. While I fully believe they’re necessary for our health right now with the Covid pandemic happening right now, I’ve also tried to have fun with the masks I’ve worn. Because why not play around with the options, if we’re stuck with them?

The first masks I wore in the beginning of the Pandemic were so sweetly made for my family and me by my boyfriend’s mother. She did a fantastic job with them, and mine has foxes and seashells on them. They’re adorable! But after a little while, it became apparent that this pandemic wasn’t going away as quickly as I thought, and I needed to stock up on some more masks. While the blue medical masks are a good option now and again, I like the idea of reusable fabric masks to reduce waste. I know everyone’s got their favorite sustainable mask options, so I thought I would share mine as well! Both ones I’ve already bought, have ordered and are patiently waiting for, or ones I’ve got my eye on.

Christy Dawn

My first sustainable mask purchase was from Christy Dawn. I bought a three pack from them, and click here to access the web page for their masks, since they aren’t listing the same set I bought anymore. I’m featuring two of them in this post! What I like most about them is that they are super light and comfortable. I like using them to wear around friends or family when we’re doing a social distancing visit. My best friend and I like to go for walks together, and on humid summer days these are still comfortable. However, for this same reason they might not offer as much protection in more high-risk situations, so I still use my more heavy duty masks then, like when I’m grocery shopping, or anything like that.

Alexis Badiyi

I found Alexis’s masks through one of my biggest Instagram inspirations, Alyssa Coscarelli. Alexis handmakes these masks, and has so many different material options, and each mask is made to order! Before she only accepted orders via DM on her instagram page, but now she also has a website! Check out her page for all the floral, gingham, tie dye, and checked goodness! I currently have an order with her for a purple floral mask, but I’m also considering ordering a checked or gingham mask from her as well, since I love how you can tie these masks behind your ears! Click here to access her Instagram, and click here for her website!

Room Shop Vintage

I’ve featured Room Shop Vintage’s beautiful oversized scrunchies before, but they also recently released two different mask sets on their website! They have satin scrunchies with matching masks, or floral masks with matching headscarves which are my personal favorite! They are also a local business for me, based in Philly, so I love supporting them! Access their Instagram here, and their website here.

Picnicwear

I’ve been lusting over Picnicwear’s handmade hats for the majority of the summer. This small independent brand makes bucket hats out of vintage beach towels, but the creator Dani has also teased that she’s making masks from vintage materials! They haven’t dropped yeat, but I’m keeping an eye out for when they do. And for the next drop of bucket hats! Click here to access her Instagram, and click here for her website!

View this post on Instagram

〰️ Am I on to something?? 〰️

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Selina Sanders

I’ve written about this amazing independent designer before on my Patchwork post last week. Selina also dropped a small range of masks made from vintage fabrics, as well as bead chains. She did a drop of them earlier this week and they all sold SO quickly! I’m hoping she makes more so I can get my hands on a pair, but I thought I would share in the hopes she does! Click here to access her Instagram, and click here for her website!

Want some more sustainable options? I would also suggest checking out the Depop app! If you search face masks, you’ll see there are hundreds of people making and selling them on there, if you want to support an even smaller business! Or even check out Facebook, I’m sure there are plenty of people in you family or circle of friends who have offered to make masks for a small price.

Do you want to try your hand at making masks yourself? There are so many resources out there if you’re just staring out with mask making, or sewing, or both! I love this IGTV from Carly Heitlinger, formerly “CarlyThePrepster.” Check out the tutorial here:

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Do you have any suggestions or favorite brands who have been killing the mask-making game? Share them in the comments below, or head on over to my Instagram, @thegingerintrovert, and share them there too! We would all love to hear!

Until next time!

Wrap top & a slip dress = Summertime Sweetness

The perfect layered outfit, even in the depths of summertime!

Hello everyone!

I bet you guys have been wondering what crazy outfit I would come up with next, right? Well even if you haven’t, this one may take the cake, despite the obvious lack of spandex or lycra. Gigantic bell sleeves with an Edwardian cuff? A dress with… vegetables on it?? Yes to all. I’m so in love with this outfit!

The slip dress is a recent thrift find on Depop, from one of my favorite vintage sellers, Saule Vintage. I’ve been into slip dresses this summer, and why not? They’re breezy and keep you cool, and are therefore super comfortable. And if you’re a Sex and the City fan like me, whenever I wear a slip dress I feel like Carrie Bradshaw (minus the thousand dollar Manolos). They’re also really fun to layer with. With turtleneck underneath in the fall time. With a chunky sweater overtop in the and boots in the winter. And, in this case, I chose a wrap top!

This particular piece was an investment from one of my favorite independent brands, Maison Cleo! I got this blouse, or as it’s formally named, the Silver Julie silk-mesh wrap top, on sale from their Net-A-Porter collection. I bought this blouse because of how versatile it is as a layering piece. It can be worn tied in the front or wrapped around the back. I have both styles modeled below. For layering in the summertime, I like how it looks tied in the front, so you can see the details of the bell pepper slip dress even better.

Here it is worn as a wrap top, which I think will be better suited for fall. I’m picturing this worn over a lacy black bra or a spaghetti strap tank top, with those Levi’s I wrote about in this post. Or, I’m also excited to pair this with a black and white plaid pleated skirt, along with some ankle boots! Can you tell I’m already pretty amped for fall?

I love to give you guys little behind-the-scenes snippets and stories, especially ones where I feel a little like a dingus. When I was showing my boyfriend these pictures after my ~hour long~ photoshoot, and he brought something to my attention. Before I left the house, I of course knew that I should check to make sure nothing was… showing through the white slip dress, if you catch my drift. In the light in my room, I didn’t notice anything. However, glaring natural light works differently! So in most of the pictures I took, you could see my light blue underwear through the slip dress. These were the pictures where you can’t see it, especially after editing them on Lightroom, as I usually do. But let me tell you, I’ve learned my lesson!

Also, my boyfriend likes to call this top the “shiny shirt,” like the quote in the last Lord of the Rings movie, “Hands off that shiny shirt!” Here’s a YouTube clip if you can’t remember the exact scene:

And I think I’ll leave you all with that.

Until next time!

Patchwork: trend for late summer into fall!

A fashion trend forecast for the late summer into the early fall! And an independent designer for everyone.

Hello everyone!

It’s right around this time of year that I start thinking about the end of Summer and early Fall, and how to dress for that strange transitional period. As I mentioned in my Gingham & Levi outfit post, gingham of all colors is a personal favorite of mine to wear during this time. But I have also been noticing a small uptick in patchwork pieces in my small little sphere (mostly on Instagram), and I am obsessed with this trend! It seems like the perfect way to have both dark autumnal colors paired with lighter, more summery ones. Perfect for the transitional period of late summer and early fall! Especially if, like me, you live in a place that stays warm even into the beginning of October.

If you’re curious about this trend and want to support small or vintage businesses instead of fast fashion, I dug up some lovely independent designers for you all to check out!

Studio VSM

Rhiannon Alexander is based in the UK in Carmarthenshire, Wales. She designs beautiful dresses, blouses, overalls, and makes them out of “natural and vintage fabrics,” to quote @vintagestyleme‘s Insta bio. My favorite piece she makes is, of course, her patchwork dress, which she can custom make. Click here to access her Etsy Shop, and click here to access her Instagram!

Selina Sanders

Selina Sanders is based in Los Angeles, where she hand makes the absolute DREAMIEST puff-sleeved tops. She uses up-cycled and vintage fabrics, such as tea towels, to make her tops, and makes each piece to-order. Aside from her lovely tops, she also makes the cutest clay earrings! She also posts regularly on her Instagram stories, and shares BTS info on how she sources her fabrics, how to clean vintage clothes, and even cute photos&videos of her family! Click here to access her Instagram account @selina_sanders, and click here to access her website to shop!

Mia Hasak

Mia, a student at Parsons School of Design as a Fashion Design major, makes the cutest little hand made tank tops that are so gauzy, colorful, and perfect for hot summer days! But she also recently posted about a mixed long-sleeve made from scrap fabrics! She also mentions in her post that they might be a little “bit of a surprise,” which I think sounds fun and exciting! I’ve always been a sucker for a fun surprise. Click here to follow @shopmiahasak, and click here to access her website!

JJ Vintage

JJ Vintage is an incredible Black owned business based in New York! Jasmine, the designer, repurposes vintage Nike shirts and recreates them into the most incredible patchwork tanks, off-the-shoulder, and one shoulder tops! She has a whopping 22.5k followers on Instagram, and although she currently sells her designs on Depop, Jasmine recently announced the launch of her website on August 1 (8/1/2020)! Click here to follow @jjvintage_, here to check out her Depop shop, and here to read her interview in BK Reader.

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Surpriseeeee! Website launches August 1st at 4:30 PM EST (New York time) 🥳🥳 This drop is going to be really special for me & I know you all are ready too! There will be a range of new & old styles so be sure to turn your post notifications on so you don’t miss this drop! Of course, I will keep you all updated all the way up until the day of the release so don’t worry! I can’t thank all of you enough for your continued support and sweet messages you’ve been sending me ❤️❤️ I’ve been taking notes of all of your feedback when it comes to the styles, colors and sizes you all are looking for! ALSO, custom order slots will open back up once the website launches as well, but it will be limited slots available! Oh one last thing…for the guys, I have something for y’all too 👀👀 AUGUST 1st – Mark your calendar! ~Graphic design by @imtifferent ❤️~

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Cassie’s Shop

Finally, Cassie, a designer based in South Carolina, creates beautifully made one-of-a-kind patchwork clothes, and many of them are hand-dyed/painted. She makes t-shirts, button down shirts, shorts, and cardigans, each one prettier than the last! Click here to follow here @cassies_shop, and click here to access her Etsy shop! Even better? Cassie is the sweetest and is offering my readers $5 off of any purchase from her Etsy shop starting today with the code GINGER5, good for one whole month! She has some SUPER cute things listed on there, so I would definitely go take advantage of this deal!

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Want another sustainable option? I’ve found that this trend is easily thrifted! You all know how much I love Depop, and if you search the keyword or hashtag “patchwork,” there are plenty of pieces up for grabs. so I would have a little browse over there as well.

I recently acquired this maxi skirt on the app from another one of my favorite vintage sellers, Saule Vintage ! I will be putting together an outfit post with this piece closer to the autumn months, but I thought I would share this with you! I’m planning on pairing this skirt with a white puff-sleeve top or a colorful tube top during the summer. To switch it up during the fall I was thinking this would go well with a long sleeve prairie blouse or a black turtleneck bodysuit!

Click here @saulevintage to follow them on Instagram, the owner Sierra posts new pieces up for sale both on her Instagram and her Depop page nearly every day! Definitely go check them out if you’re interested.

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Thank you guys for reading! Have you been seeing this trend around? And if so and you have a favorite designer, brand, or vintage seller to share, I would love to see them! Start the conversation in the comments below, or head on over to my Instagram @thegingerintrovert! I would love to hear from you over there as well.

Until next time!

A Summer Classic: Gingham & Levi’s

A classic summertime outfit, and one of my favorite online vintage shops!

Hello everyone!

Nothing seems more summery to me then gingham! It makes me think of long afternoons in a park, sitting on a red gingham picnic blanket reading a good book and a sandwich. It’s one of my favorite patterns, no matter the color. Especially since around this time in July I’m already thinking about the end of summer into the early fall, and what clothes and colors can be worn in this transitional period. Gingham of all kinds seems to fit the bill quite nicely, in my humble opinion!

This shirt is a thrift find from Goodwill that I’ve had for years now, and it’s still one of my very favorite shirts for the summer and early fall. It’s so classic with the red gingham and the small embroidered white flowers. The fact that it buttons down the back means that I can also cinch it in by tying it at the bottom, like I’ve done here, or leaving it be for a more relaxed look.

Now, let’s talk about these jeans. I got them from one of my favorite vintage stores on Instagram, called Saguaro Shoppe (@saguaroshoppe on Instagram). I had never owned a vintage pair of Levi’s jeans before these ones, since vintage sellers don’t typically stock my waist and hip size in Levi’s. However, when Saguaro Shoppe listed these, I found it hard to pass them up since it’s always been on my thrifting “bucket list” to get myself a pair. They were an investment, but now that I’ve been wearing them almost daily, it seems to have been a worthy one! I can’t recommend the shop enough, I’ve gotten many pieces from them and the seller is always super friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. I can’t recommend them enough 🙂

The shop owner, Britt, has even kindly offered for my readers to use 10% off your purchase over at Saguaro Shoppe! Check out her Instagram to see all the vintage goodies, and if there’s one you would like to buy tell her in your DM message you read this blog post for 10% off your purchase! I hope you’re able to find a piece you love ❤

Want to see more from me? Head on over to my Instagram @thegingerintrovert and we can connect. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time!

Confidence even in the CRAZIEST get-ups!

Hello everyone!

This summer has been unusual for me when it comes to my outfits. Typically in summertime’s past, I’ve been a big midi sundress fan. And don’t get me wrong, I still love my floral dresses and get a lot of use out of them. But this summer I seem to be gravitating towards brighter colors, shorter skirts, bright and patterned biker shorts, and (light) layers.

These types of clothes are so much fun to play with, that each morning I get up I get excited to pick out what I’m going to wear. And believe me, that’s what I want! But when I first started wearing these more eye-catching outfits, there was that little voice inside my head that went… But what will people think? Because believe me, in rural Pennsylvania where I live, not everyone is wearing bright-pink glittery spandex biker shorts, over-the-top puffy sleeves, and swimsuit cover-ups as dresses. So every now and again, I catch the odd judgmental look from those around me. Or sometimes it’s not even strangers, in the past, I’ve definitely received a snarky comment or two from a peer or a loved one.

In these moments, I remember a piece of advice that my dad gave me a while back. How will I let other people effect my emotions? Or, in this case, my behavior and the way I dress? Will I allow any perceived judgement to rule how I express myself, or will I do what makes me happy and wear what I like?

Because really, that’s my ultimate goal when I wear something that may seem a little cray and over-the-top. Dressing up is a form of artistic expression for me! And I love to share them with others, but thrifting and piecing together cool outfits just give me joy during this time of uncertainty.

So if I could offer some advice to any of you out there who feel like they’re stifling who they are in order to appease the people around them, weigh your options. What’s more important to you? Expressing yourself as you see fit, and having fun? Or making the people around you happy? It’s a personal decision, but I can personally testify that living your life by other peoples’ guidelines isn’t nearly as fulfilling as doing you.

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What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you guys, so go ahead and start the conversation in the comments OR come connect with me over on my Instagram! My handle is @thegingerintrovert.

Until next time!

Summer in Seersucker

Staying cool as a cucumber (or a peach) in this gingham seersucker outfit!

Hello everyone!

Lately, I have been obsessed with all things breezy and comfortable. However, even if I am a somewhat sweaty mess, I still want to be looking good in the summer heat. So, when it comes to keeping cool, I try to stick to lighter materials.

Enter these lovely gingham seersucker pants! They are the sweetest peach color that reminds me of all things summer… Think peaches and cream, sorbet, watermelon, the fluttering of your clothes as you walk along the oceanside.

Okay, okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but these pants are a dreamy thrifted find. I got them at a Goodwill last year, and I remember that they caught my eye because of the peach gingham, but they also caught my attention because of their seersucker texture. The added fact that they had pockets? I was sold.

Even though I typically don’t wear colored pants, the seersucker texture helps to distract from any belly that might stick out in a solid color high-waisted pant. Another thing I like about these are the fact that they seem to hit on the perfect place and highlight the smallest part of my waist, especially when I wear it with this white quarter-zip crop top.

This was another adorable vintage find on the Depop app! And to be completely honest with you? I actually wore the crop top backwards! The zipper was technically supposed to go in the back, and I had to cut the tag out of the collar near the zipper. But overall, I feel like the top is much more flattering on me when it’s worn like this. And, it adds an interesting element to the outfit overall, I think. I got this particular piece from @isabelleikpeme on Depop, and I would highly recommend her shop if you use the app, too! The top came really quickly after I ordered it, and Isabelle was a super sweet seller.

The final part of the outfit are the accessories! I usually go pretty light with my jewelry, so I only wore a pair of vintage gold half-hoops. The best part? I got these earrings for free! A while back, I was driving in my boyfriend’s neighborhood and a house had a bunch of things out for free, enough for a yard sale. So I picked through, and found a small basket filled with jewelry. So I picked up these, along with a bunch of other pairs to add to my collection! Vintage earrings are always my go-to when it comes to accessorizing, and my collection has become quite extensive. So, keep an eye out for a future post all about my vintage earring collection!

And finally, if you’re curious about my blue eye makeup as well, I wrote all about it in my recent Glossier Skywash Review! I wear this eye makeup look nearly every day, and I tell you all about my secret weapon to making the Skywash eyeshadow last there.

What have you been wearing so far this summer? Let me know all about your favorite summertime pieces below in the comments, or come connect with me on Instagram @thegingerintrovert! I am almost at 400 followers over there, so please be sure to go on and follow me over there to see my daily posts and Insta stories, where I post all about what I get up to every day! I am also posting an IGTV a week as well, and this week I am posting a new Picnic Chat where I talk all about my tips for thrift shopping on Depop to stay safe during the Pandemic. You won’t want to miss it!

Until next time!

Summer 2020 Skincare!

My updated summer skincare routine, for the muggiest and most humid days!

Hello everyone!

For all those out there with finicky skin, raise your hands! That’s what I thought… I’m definitely not the only one. My skin is extremely sensitive, and not only do I have to regularly change up my skincare routine due to the changing seasons, but I swear my skin also gets “used to” the products I use after a while. So every now and again I change up my skincare, but for about a year I seem to have struck a balance every morning and night that my skin seems to like!

So, I thought I would share with you all my summer skincare routine! Most of these products are old favorites, with some newbies added to the mix as well. Here’s my step-by-step process…

First off, I cleanse my face. While it is not pictured, I have used the Biore Charcoal cleanser for years! I’ve always been happy with how it makes my skin feel after I wash, almost tingly!

Then, I use the Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner in Rose Petal along with a cotton pad. If you’ve been following me for a while you know I’ve used this product for years and years. The other toners I’ve tried over time aren’t nearly as gentle and effective. The best part is, it’s so affordable!

Next up, I use the Lumene Nordic C serum. This is a newer favorite after discovering this in the beauty section of Target about 6 months ago! I really feel like it brightens my skin while not clogging my pores at all, which is something that I’ve struggled with in other serums.

The next step is where I like to add a little bit of variety, depending on the time of day. In the morning, I use the Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with 15 SPF. I actually didn’t like this product when I first tried it last year, so it got buried in the back of my skincare drawer. However, I decided to try wearing SPF every day since the spring, so I resurrected it back in March and I have really enjoyed it this year! I’m not sure what made the biggest difference between this year and last and what changed, but I do use a pretty thin layer since it’s a thicker moisturizer.

If it’s before bed, instead of the SPF, I like to use this Estee Lauder Perfectionist Serum. It may sound a little ridiculous, but I’ve been using anti-aging products at night since I was around 18 years old, since that’s around when our bodies stop producing collagen (some studies say between 18-25). I also just like how this products makes my skin feel really dewy in the morning when I wake up! And, when I remember, some nights I use the Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme eye cream.

Finally, to top it off, I either use the Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin spray, or the Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray. I do tend to prefer the Heritage Store spray because it feels a little more refreshing, but I’m almost out, so I switch between that and the Mario Badescu spray. I also like to keep the Mario Badescu spray in my bag sometimes on hotter days as a refresher!

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And that’s it! I try to keep it simple, because I’m either in a hurry in the morning or super sleepy at night, so I don’t want to spend too much time on my skincare. However, I like the way all of these products together make my face feel every single day! However, I should add a couple more products that I use from time to time that I also love: The Burt’s Bees spot treatment for when I break out during my period. My jade roller for when I’m in a mood to pamper myself, after using my favorite Peach Slices Calm face mask of course. I also love the Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots. I also use the Biore Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Pore Nose Strips about once a week.

If you’re still curious about my daily skincare routine, you can see my morning routine in action in my most recent IGTV get ready with me video! I have linked below the longer, unedited version on YouTube, and you can view the original IGTV video on my Instagram HERE!

What are your favorite skincare products? I would love to see your recommendations! Leave a comment below, or come say hi on My instagram, I’m @thegingerintrovert.

Until next time!

Glossier Skywash Review

Hello everyone!

Glossier is one of those brands that when they do a drop, people take note and are instantly obsessed. Now, I had not ordered from them before, but when they announced their release of the Skywash liquid eyeshadow in February and saw the color range, I knew I had to make the plunge and see what everyone has been talking about!

As a retail worker (at the time, pre-Covid) who wasn’t earning much, I needed to be conscious of how I was spending my money. So when I saw the price tag of $18 per tube, it gave me pause. However, I talked myself into buying two. They’ll be so easy to use, I said to myself. As a “girl-on-the-go,” as it were, the makeup I use on the daily are usually products I can slap on quickly before I run out the door. I chose the colors “Terra” and “Pool” because between the two, I figured I could use these colors all year round. “Pool” for summer and spring, and “Terra” for fall and winter.

So, $36 dollars (plus shipping fees and taxes) later, my Skywash eyeshadows arrived. I did what every girl does when she gets new makeup in the mail. I swatched them first, then tried them on. First, I noticed that while I couldn’t really see into the tube itself, I got the impression that there wasn’t much product to speak of inside. Annoying, but something we all experience with much-hyped products.

Then, I tried them on. Fresh faced, after applying my usual skincare products, I slicked a coat or two of each color on each bare eyelid. Let me tell you, I was initially very disappointed. The colors are super sheer at first, and while they are buildable, the difference between the pigmentation of each color is surprising. “Pool,” the light blue, was super sheer at first and a little chalky-looking if I patted it down to blend with my fingertip. Then, with the darker “Terra” color, the sheerness of the first coat turned into an uncontrollable dark blob with the second coat. Even when I tried to blend it out and pat it down with my fingers, the “Terra” color didn’t look right, and was all kinds of patchy. I’ll confide in you guys, too… I found this out right before I started a shift at my job on the bookfloor of Barnes & Noble. I had taken to doing my makeup quickly in the car before running into work, which meant that when I did this, I couldn’t just swipe it off with some miscellar water. I did my best to fix the blotchy mess, and after wiping some of the product away with a napkin I looked somewhat normal, but let’s just say my makeup was not up to snuff that day.

Worst of all? Each time I tried to wear these eyeshadows, they creased after a couple of hours of wear. After a week or two, I gave up. I resigned myself to the fact that I had been duped, and the Skywash eyeshadows were nearly forgotten in my makeup bag.

That is, until Covid-19.

Once the pandemic reared it’s ugly head I found myself laid off from my job. Like everyone else, days turned into months of just me sitting at home with nothing to do. This lead to some experimentation with different makeup looks. Come spring and the beginning of summer, I wanted to play around with blue eyeshadows again. So I dug “Pool” out from the depths. And, in playing around, I discovered something! If I used a primer before I applied the eyeshadow, it was almost like working with an entirely different product! The color spread on my primed eyelids nicely, and though still somewhat sheer, was buildable without seeming chalky. The other secret? Not using my fingers, but using a makeup brush to pat the shadow down once applied.

But I’ll tell you something else. I don’t just use any old eyeshadow primer. I use the super hero of all drugstore primers. A primer that has blown all its high-end counterparts out of the water!

Now, you may think I’m being dramatic. But I stand by what I said. I use the Wet N Wild Photofocus Eyeshadow Primer. It is a dream to use, and here’s why. I use it on my eyelids and brows, and it makes the colors of the makeup seem richer. My eyeshadow never creases when I use it, and it lasts all day long. The best part? It’s only $5 at Walmart, and only a few cents more at Ulta! And it turned a dud-seeming product like the Skywash eyeshadow into a favorite that I use nearly every day.

Do you have any unexpected makeup favorites, or maybe a new makeup look you discovered during quarantine? Let us know in the comments!

Until next time.