It’s been a minute since I’ve posted here.

The beginning of summer has felt a little wild between family, life, and a writing project that has turned out to be far more involved than I expected.

I’ve been working on a two-part series about food. What I eat, how my relationship with food has changed over the years, and how I’m trying to find a balance between feeling my best and still leaving room for the things I enjoy. You know, the really good indulgences.

The funny thing is, once I started writing, I realized food isn’t really just about food. It’s tied to memories, seasons of life, family traditions, celebrations, comfort, and identity. What I thought would be a quick post has become something much bigger.

While I’m putting the finishing touches on that series, I thought I’d share something a little lighter.

Lately I’ve had fun hunting for thrifted pieces, rediscovering old favorites in my closet, and putting together outfits that feel like me. So today I’m sharing a few favorite items and looks from the past.

And if you’ve been waiting for the food post, I promise it’s coming.

A recent thrift-store rescue. I collect books and art, but every now and then a beautiful thrifted coat finds its way into the collection.

I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage clutches and pocketbooks. Most of mine have been thrifted for less than $5, which somehow makes finding them even more fun.

The little beaded purse in the middle isn’t thrifted at all– it belonged to my grandmother. It’s one of those pieces I’ll always treasure.

Now that I think about it, this is probably my reminder to write about vintage and thrifted jewelry, too. My grandmother passed down some beautiful pieces, and there’s something about old jewelry that always has my heart skipping a beat. Add a diamond, and you’ve really got my attention.

But back to bags…

Whether it’s beading, embroidery, or an unexpected print, there’s something timeless about these tiny bags.

I have been thrifting for as long as I can remember. I love discovering beautiful things at incredible prices.

There are several sides to me. There’s the woman happily digging through the $1 bins, the other who adores high-end collectible pieces, and then there’s everything in between–the one who loves beautiful things but doesn’t want to spend the money unless it’s something I’ll keep forever.

I want the kind of pieces that can be passed down someday. Maybe to future daughters-in-law… and yes, apparently I’m already thinking of that. Whoops!

I’ve always been eclectic.

Maybe that’s because I’ve never fit neatly into one category. I love the thrill of a thrift-store find just as much as I appreciate a beautifully made investment piece. Part of me is practical, part of me is artistic, and somewhere in the middle is where I’ve always felt most at home.

I think that’s why I love things that have already lived a life before finding me.

Whether it’s a coat, a book, a painting, or a piece of furniture, I like imagining the stories they carried before becoming a part of mine.

Maybe that’s what High, Low & Loved really means.

With Love,
Erica
Salty Blonde Living