Fun in Thrift Stores

Hello Readers,

As many of you may already know, I have an Etsy shop.  And as some of you may have noticed, that shop is currently empty.  Well, I am trying to re-vamp my shop by adding new and improved stock.  To do this, I am in the process of sorting through various sites across the midwest (mostly estate sales and thrift stores) to create a more successful venture.  Here are a few highlights of my search:


1) Red Dress Suit- late 1980s?

I actually might go back for this dress suit.  The more I look at the pictures, the more I am impressed with this red stunner suit from the 80s.  Lace, shoulder pads, hourglass shape, pearl buttons- who could ask for anything more? The main reason I passed on the suit was because the skirt was too short for me- but not everyone is 5'10''. . . so maybe this could be a contender for my shop. What do you think?

2) Pale Periwinkle Party Dress- 1970s?

This dress was a hot polyester mess- literally! I appreciated the detailing around the waist, but the polyester (I'm guessing it was polyester) was hot and itchy and the sleeves had an odd fit. I decided to pass on this polyester disaster. My best guess is that this was a bridesmaid dress from the 1970s.  If this was the case, I wonder if the bride really didn't like her bridesmaids.

3) Pink Whisper Lace Dress- 1980s?

Even though this dress is quite awful, I think that I secretly loved it because of the lace.  You can't tell from the picture above, but the lace overlay had more than one pattern. I had to pass on this delicate beauty because sections of the zipper were rusty- which is why I am holding the dress closed with one hand instead of wearing it zipped.

4) VaVaVa-Shoulders- 1980s or early 1990s

This was a fun dress to try on, but it took a bit of effort to figure out how to wear the strap and shoulders of the dress. It has a distinct shape, but I felt like there are already a lot of dresses like this one on Etsy. My main reason for passing on this dress, however, is because this is a dress that I would never wear- even to a costume party- and I prefer to sell things that I would wear or recommend to a friend. A fun dress, but not for my shop.

Do any of you frequent thrift shops or antique stores? What do you look for? (I have a weakness for antique costume jewelry)

Wearing the Colors of the Wind

Hello Readers!

Yesterday I made a bold move.  Usually, when picking out an outfit I will stick to neutrals with maybe one pop of color in the outfit, but yesterday I wore more than one non-neutral color, I wore 3.  Mint green, turquoise, and copper.  The color combination made me think of the song Colors of the Wind from the movie Pocahontas. . . Anyways, here is the outfit:

Outside of my lovely office

This sudden burst of color was inspired by one of my friend's suggestions that I incorporate more color into my wardrobe (thanks Jasmine!) The result of this change?  Well, in addition to feeling bright and cheery on a Wednesday, I received compliments from several of my students and friends at school.  Also, when I went to the mall to pick up a few things for my mom I received a few compliments from employees at a few stores!

Just for fun, here are a few more photos of my colorful outfit:

Apparently I still have problems locking my office door. . . 

There we go!

I will miss this office after graduation!

Thank you for your advice Jasmine!

Retail Details:
Mint Green Scarf: A kiosk in Chinatown (NYC)
Turquoise 3/4 Cardigan: Zara (purchased in Madrid in spring 2008)
Enchanted Eyes Beaded Leather Belt: Anthropologie
Brownish-Grey Lace Skirt: 1960s Vintage, purchased online from a seller in Scotland
Copper Scallop-Patterned Tights: Anthropologie
Beige and Off-White Spectators: Seychelles
Patterned Wallet: Vera Bradley

How Inspiring: Charlotte Charles

Happy Sunday Readers!

I don't know how the weather is where you are, but where I am it is raining and a bit bleak outside. On days like these, a bit of inspiration can put a bit of sunshine in my smile and bounce in my step.

Today, readers, I would like to introduce you all to an icon who inspires my wardrobe: Charlotte Charles (played by Anna Friel) from the series Pushing Daisies. Her outfits are colorful, feminine, and elegant with a touch of whimsy. Her closet and my closet are not identical (there are a few similarities), but I admire the style created by the costume designers of the show.

this reminds me of my swirling lace Tracy Reese dress

The show, by the way, is one of those brilliant shows cancelled before its time. If you haven't watched it yet- you should. No, you must. Especially if you like vintage fashion. Both seasons of the show are available on Netflix, and you can watch them instantly.

Here are a few of my favorite outfits from the show. Enjoy, and be inspired!

I Will Not Let the Sniffles Stifle My Style!

watch out, I'll sneeze on you!

Hello Readers,

Monday, it began with a seemingly harmless case of the sniffles. By Tuesday morning, I felt like I was hit by a train. Runny nose, itchy eyes, a general feeling of achiness, groggy voice, and a slight chill.

I planned an outfit for yesterday, but instead I resorted to comfort: my North Face jacket, an old pair of jeans, and a long sleeve nondescript knit top, and ballet flats. When I went to Walgreens to get medicine (and maybe a bit of clearance Valentine's Day chocolates), they were out of Sudafed! Out of Sudafed? Yes- out of Sudafed. So, I settled for a substitute which seems to be working just as well.

When I woke up this morning, I felt alive enough to do my Cardio Pilates DVD- so no need to worry readers! It appears that I am on the mend! Inspired by the workout, I decided to dress up today despite my sniffles. And this is what I wore:

I look amazing, I know. . .

Retail Details:

Black Beaded and Feathered Headband: aerie

Layered Silver Necklace: American Eagle Outfitters

Slate Blue-Green Draped Shell: Ann Taylor

Black Gross Grain Ribbon: from my lovely and lacey Tracy Reese dress

Black V-Neck Cardigan: Zara

Doe Gray Lace Skirt: Vintage (1960s, Scotland)

Greyish-Brownish Tights: aerie

Black Ruffled Ballet Flats: American Eagle Outfitters

*Don't forget to enter my giveaway!