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Monday, January 31, 2011

Is This Really New?

day31

I decided to go ahead and try the newish trend of super flare jeans for today.  Let me be the first to say, this is not new.  In fact, I found these jeans at the thrift store for a whopping $5! I get a little annoyed that there is so much turn around in fashion that something that was very popular 5 years ago is suddenly back in style and the markets are flooded with more bell bottom jeans!  Take Gap for example.  Those "new style" jeans are just ridiculously expensive and their denim isn't really any better quality than these jeans I found at the thrift store!  It is that kind of consumerism that bothers me I think.

day31b
day31c

In addition to the flare jeans, I'm wearing this fantastic vintage blouse.  It has the right amount of sheerness and the ruffled neck is perhaps my favorite.  I put my striped beige cardigan over it for some contrast and for the warmth factor.  It was pretty damn cold when I took these photos.  Oh and the bag I'm carrying is a pretty cognac camera bag from the 1960s.  It fits my camera perfectly!  I'm so glad I stumbled on this bag at the thrift store last week.

day31d

Well Sunday was great but Monday is here and now it's all about work.  I had a fabulous time with friends this weekend and brunch was just a part of it.  Our good friends/neighbors are moving to Ecuador for an undisclosed amount of time, so all of their friends boogied down on Saturday night for their going away party.  Usually after a crazy fun late night party it's always a good idea to grab brunch.  Especially if you're hungover and need some substantial food.  All in all a great great weekend, but I am sad to see our friends moving so far away.

Top, Vintage
Cardigan, 2nd hand from friend
Refuge Jeans, Thrifted
Modcloth shoes, gift from parents
Bag, Thrifted

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Smells Awesome!!

day29c

Ah Sunday!!! Where have you been all week?  Last Sunday was kind of a dud, but I have high hopes for today.  Not only do I plan on doing the dishes that have been in my sink for 2 weeks, but I also plan on doing laundry and putting away my clothes!!  If I'm feeling practiculary dangerous, I might even break out the sewing machine and start hemming some vintage dresses that have been littering my hem pile.

day29b

day29d

Might I add that it's is absolutely gorgeous outside?  45 degrees, sunny and the perfect weather for taking walks about my neighborhood.  It is definitley going to happen today.  Brunch seems like a wonderful thing to add to my list of things to do and there's a great place that is within walking distance from our apartment.  I don't think Zach and I have done a real brunch since last September and it's been on my mind all week.

day29e

day29

Ok, so I realized my outfit today is the third this week that is consisting of a top, skirt, and tights.  I guess that means I'm in a rut, but I liked those outfits.  Although I love my blouses and skirts, I do want to break up the monotony of my looks on my blog.  I use this blog as a personal pusher of trying something new.  For example, 3 years ago I would never be caught dead in colored tights!  Now I can't get enough of them! 

Blouse, Target (3 yrs ago)
Skirt, Tulle
Tights, Target
Flats, DSW (2 years ago)
Gloves, From Co-worker
Necklace, Parking Lot Find

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Building A Passion for Vintage Fashion

day26

It seems funny, but I think one of my unspoken new years resolutions must've been to buy and wear more vintage.  I've been having such great luck with finding vintage clothing lately, that I almost don't want to jinx myself!  I found this great skirt at my local thrift store's vintage section and fell in love with the pretty print.  After further inspection I also found that it was handmade.  I love finding homemade things at the thrift store!  It's like I need to give it a home again and rescue it.

day26b

All this talk about vintage clothing has me clamoring for more.  I'm not sure if it's a disease or not, but I've been spending a ton of time on Etsy.  It's just full of so many great pieces and since I want to start building my vintage wardrobe a little more I'm thinking about treating myself to one piece of vintage from an Etsy store per month. 

day26c

Striped Top, Thrifted
Vintage Skirt, Thrifted
Belt, H&M
Vintage Boots, Ebay

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Getting Back To It

day25c

I've taken a bit of a hiatus from blogland these last few days, since I caught the dreaded flu....on my birthday no less!  Today I finally looked and felt well enough to take some photos.  I swear I was looking really rough around the edges these last few days.  For some reason when I turned 26 my skin decided to turn back time to my teenage years and break out like crazy!  In addition to the flu face, I was looking like a mugshot of someone who's done some hard drugs. But trust me, the only drugs that went into this body were of medicinal use.  Nyquil became my best buddie these last few days..hehe..

day25d

day25b

Anyways, I decided to dress up a little and this sequined blouse was just the right thing.  When I went thrifting a couple of weeks ago, I was trying to keep in mind some of the current trends of the upcoming season and I faintly remembered reading something about dolman sleeves.  While browsing through Salvation Army I found this fantastic vintage blouse and knew it would work for my wardrobe.  It's a crazy fit and the sequins give it that tacky fabulous edge which I adore.  And it's a great piece to keep in your wardrobe to make jeans a little more classy and flirty. 

day25

The last element to my outfit was the inclusion of color.  Although it's still winter, I really wanted to break out my light pink pumps and yellow belt.  Color is so big this season and it's really putting me in the mood for warm spring sunshine. 

Vintage Blouse, Thrifted
Jeans, Platos Closet
Vintage Belt, Thrifted
Pumps, Payless (like 4 years ago!)
Necklace, Lia Sophia

Saturday, January 22, 2011

If I Wasn't Sick Today

Here's what I would be doing!!!

I'd shop at my favorite thrift store.  I still have a gift certificate that is burning a hole in my pocket.

Thrift
source is Freckled Nest

I'd get my bangs cut.



I'd take a walk and grab a latte

End result!
Source is robsonbarista

I'd do my nails!  
Nail polish
Source emrekanik

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend.  I am going to rest up and get myself better so I can at least spend Sunday doing something fun.  Laying on the couch for hours sleeping isn't exactly the weekend of my dreams.

Friday, January 21, 2011

A Day in the Life of a Thrifter

day21b

Hey Everyone!!!  Here is my first installment of my new segment, A Day in the Life of a Thrifter.  Hopefully everyone caught a glimpse of my guest post at Citizen Rosebud about my pledge to buy only second hand for a whole year.  Let me be clear that there will be stipulations.  Like my underwear, socks, and tights will be new.  Something about second hand undergarments gives me the creeps.

day21

I wanted to give you some tips on a different kind of second hand buying, and that is consignment.  All types of consignment shops work differently, but my latest experience was at Plato's Closet.  I like Plato's Closet because it's instantaneous.  Other consignment shops usually have you sign contracts, and then every quarter of the year they stroke you a check for a percent of your sales.  I'm pretty impatient, so that is why I enjoy places like Plato's Closet.  

day21c

On Sunday I cleaned out all the garments from my closet which I hadn't worn for a year or more, made sure they were neat, pressed, and folded and then lugged my bag to the store.  It took about 15 minutes and they scoured through my things, picked out what they wanted and gave me 1/3 of the price of what they were selling them.  That's not a whole lot, but I was trying to clean out my closet, not make a ton of money.  Then I traded the money for these fine things. Say hello to my brand new beige oxfords, skinny jeans, and a cute spring-time dress!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Funky Moods Need Mexican!! And Bright Colors!

day18b

Wow, this Tuesday was the pits!!  All day long I was in a sort of funk, but I'm finally getting back to normal and will be drowning my doldrums in a bean salad at our favorite Mexican place.  And maybe a margarita:)  Anyways, I'll keep this short! 

day18

My outfit is one of those fun outfits that I'd wear on a weekend.  The top is actually from a dress my friend Diane got for me from her mom's thrift store.  I just chopped off the top and was good to go!  I love the bright color and the polka dots are just too cute to pass up!  For the extra fun part, I threw on my paper bag waist black shorts I got on super clearence back in December.  $3 for a pair of shorts from Dillards is pretty damn awesome! 

day18d

Ok, so I'm off to Mexcian night!  Have a great Tuesday!

Top, Vintage Dress Chopped
Short, Dillards
Tights, Target
Heels, Dillards
Necklace, Etsy

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Closet Purge Reveals a Find

day16

When I found this dress at a cute little boutique in NYC I knew I had to have it.  It's handmade from stiff fabric and I love the shape of the dress.  I only bought it for it's look.  It didn't fit at all, so I was going to give it to Goodwill, but then I remembered I had lost some weight from all the walking I've been doing and it fit!  Thank goodness it did!  It fits perfectly now, and I don't feel like I wasted a bunch of money!!  The style of the dress is a throw back to the 60s, and the cowl neck is the perfect little detail that made me fall in love with it.

day16c

day16d

So I guess my closet purging is becoming more of a reward to myself!! haha!!  Totally not the point of closet purging, but all that hard work really did deserve a new dress that I can wear.  My closet purge was also fruitful in another way, but I'll talk about that another day.  I'm adding a new segment for my year long thrift adventure, so stay tuned!!

day16g

Dress, Store in NYC...can't remember
Tights, Forever21
Cardigan, Thrifted
Gold Bangle, Loemahns
Shoes, Dillards

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Nothing but Casual

day15

Weekends can become a whirlwind when you're busy with work, errands, and other miscellaneous events.  Today was one of those crazy Saturdays.  I got up early for work, took my husband to the farmer's market for lunch and then we took our little Starla for a fun play date with about 30 other dachshunds.  Poor Starla wasn't having much fun with all the other pups, so we left early and took her to our own huge private (to her) park.  There's always a plethora of squirrels to chase, holes to dig and trees to bark at.  She was quite content, as you can tell.

day15b

day15c

Being that I was going to be so busy, I decided to dress more casual.  I found this red gingham shirt at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with it's country-like print.  It's just a great shirt to wear on casual days with denim.  Then I threw on my olive jacket and new boots to complete the look.  I was nearly giddy over how comfortable this outfit was!

day15d

Gingham Blouse, Thrifted
Jeans, Forever21
Jacket, Thrifted
Boots, Avon
Necklace, Etsy

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Yearning for Springtime

day13b

So have you all noticed that the sun is staying up later? I love when I can come home from work and still see the light of day around me.  It really whets my appetite for warmer weather and springtime flowers.  If only spring was tomorrow morning and not two months from now.  I guess I'll just have to settle for those spring-like days that only occur once in a blue moon during the long winters.


day13d

day13e

Oh, and here I am sporting that Starry Night Doll Dress again.  The back of the dress is decorated with pretty buttons, but it's too cold to walk around without a cardigan or blazer, so I figured to show off the pretty buttons I'd just wear it backwards!  Smart huh?  Plus it gives you more bang for your bucks.  

day13

Dress, Heritage1981
Velvet Blazer, Thrifted
Tights, Target
Dolce Vita Flats, Target
Hat, Forever21
Necklace, Lia Sophia
Ring, Thrifted

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Achieving Your Zen

day12d

I don't know about you guys but I love being in that place in my mind where everything is tranquil and calm.  Everyday I try to achieve this sort of zen like quality in myself by taking nice long walks with only my thoughts to keep me company.  Usually I accompony these thoughts with music and that is where Mazzy Star comes in.  They are perhaps my favorite band at the moment and Hope Sandova's voice is so therapeutic for me.  I can't list any of the songs by favorite, because they are so amazing to me, but I find that Fade Into You is the most memorable song to me.  I fell in love with it when I watched this teenage angst movie, Angus, and then remembered it years later and Zach and I danced to it at our wedding.

day12c
day12

Among other things I also find tranquilty in morning routines.  I used to do yoga regularly but I've sort of ran out of space in my bedroom for that, so instead I just do morning stretches to relax any tension and to feel renewed.  Oddly enough, my tranquility doesn't come through when I'm getting dressed for the day. That's just pure chaos.  Finding matching shoes can be a pain, as well as piecing together something that is halfway decent for work.  So what do you guys do to find your tranquility? 

day12b


Oh and here's a video of Mazzy Star.  Check out her style!  This video is from 1993 I think.


Skirt, Tulle
Lace Top, Dillards
Target Dolce Vita Boots, Gift
Tights, Target
Long Necklace, Etsy
Shorter Necklace, Fred Flare


Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Always Practical Poncho

day9

Well I woke up to a very peaceful Saturday morning, due to the fact that Zach was away at a class all day.  He was less than thrilled but I was a little excited to have the whole apartment to myself for the day.  When you're married, these kinds of days can be few and far between so I decided to get out on my own, grab brunch, rent a movie, and kick back and relax.  So long as I got all my chores done! 

day9b

day9c

But all that changed when I got a phone call from my friend Diane asking if I'd like to hit up a local flea market.  Of course!!!  I didn't plan on buying anything but I just wanted to go along for the ride.  Well, the flea market wasn't in existence, so we went to a fabulous new Goodwill in the area.  And score!!!  I found so many pretty things.  Hardly any of it fit though.  A vintage Gunne Sax dress was begging for me to buy it, but it was too darn small in the butt area.  Apparently size 7 back then was more of a size 1.  Oh well.  I did find this amazing poncho though!!!  

day9d
I hope everyone's weekend is shaping up to be fun and productive. Oh and Emily Allison from Nudgenick Loves Twinkle Lights did a great interview with me.  Take a look at her blog and read her other interviews with awesome bloggers and her style posts!
Black Sweater, Gift
Vintage Poncho, Thrifted
Jessica Simpson Jeggings, Dillards
Vintage Boots, Ebay
Hat, Forever21
Gloves, Gift from Co-worker

Edit:  DO NOT BUY JESSICA SIMPSON JEGGINGS!!! Those pieces of shit ripped like paper today.  Right down the crotch.  Ok...done venting now.  Just don't buy them! Today was the first and only day I wore them.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Interview with Smashion

santuary3a

If you have moment today, check out an interview I did with Smashion.com!  They are a pretty fabulous online reselling site for clothing, shoes, and accessories.  I have yet to find something I need, but once I do I will be posting about my shopping experience.  And don't forget to check out the other fashionable ladies in the Smashion Lounge.


PS  They Have Vintage Too!!!!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

My Vintage Sweater

day5d

Well hello there!! Don't mind the crazy hair.  I did it myself, as if you couldn't tell! hehe...Oh man did I over do it with the hairspray.  This is why I try to keep my hair simple with a hair straightener and maybe a bun.  

day5b
day5

Although my hair has seen better days, I am digging this navy and black combination.  I threw on the vintage floral cardigan for some added interest to my outfit.  My friend gave it to me during my 30 for 30 challenge and I was itching to wear the whole time.  I'm guessing by the construction of the sweater, it's probably from the 1950s.  I was actually with my friend when she bought it and she took it home to wash it and it just shrank!  Luckily for me it shrank down to my size and she kept it for me!  I love the print of the flowers and the quality of the wool is out of this world.  Sometimes vintage is just better, in my opinion.

day5c


I hope everyone had a lovely hump day!  I love Wednesdays!  It's the perfect balance to the work week.

Sweater, Vintage
Shirt, Charlotte Russe
Skirt, Thrifted
T-Strap Heels, Thrifted
Belt, Thrifted