Patriotic Spending

Now, what kind of American would I be if I didn't do my civic duty and spend that extra $40 in my paycheck this month? The point is to stimulate the economy, no? A mission I will gladly accept, Mr. President. Here's one way I can think to spend some or all of it:

Mad Men via F21 - by kellsbells on Polyvore.com

Looking to Forever21 for Mad Men inspiration, because honestly, right now my thrifting jaunts have been less than productive in finding vintage clothing.

Comparing Unmentionables

I like to comparison shop, especially with products like t-shirts, make-up, and underwear. I like understand what makes some t-shirts worth $80 and others worth $10. I grasp the idea that the quality of construction and material make a huge difference, but really $80 for a t-shirt kinda blows my mind. Is it really that much better than a $10 or $20 t-shirt or just slightly better, or alternately not better at all but because X designer produces it the cost is justifiable?

Generally all I can do is wonder because I am unable to procure these pricier items for a true comparison. But occasionally I'll find something on deep discount (which, again, confuses me as to how these items can really cost what they do) and am afforded an opportunity for some comparing. Hence, the following example: Hanky Panky versus Target's Gilligan & O'Malley thongs. I bought a 3-pack of the Hanky Panky thongs at HSN.com for $19.99 a couple months ago. These thongs generally retail for about $18 each . I then purchased 3 pairs of Gilligan & O'Malley which were on sale for I believe $3 which looked pretty similar to the Hanky Pankys.

The Comparison:

Fit:
G&O- Runs large. I bought size small, it was a little loose. The line does not carry x-small.
HP: One size fits all, fit me perfect.

Material:
G&O- 100% nylon, made in the USA has held up fine after many washes. No fraying, fading, or sagging.
HP: 100% nylon, made in the USA, and ditto.

Comfort:
G&O- The fit makes it so I'm slightly more aware that I have them on, but not overly uncomfortable.
HP: Very comfortable

Cost:
G&O: 3 pairs for $9, on sale
HP: 3 pairs for $19.99, on sale (offer no longer current)

Conclusion:
If I could always buy Hanky Panky at that price it would be hands down Hanky Panky. But since that offer was for only specific colors and no longer available, not to mention I'd have to pay shipping, I'd have to lean towards Gilligan & O'Malley. I think for an inexpensive alternative to Hanky Panky, Gilligan & O'Malley is a great choice. They hold up remarkably well after washing; I've had Victoria Secret thongs similar to Hanky Panky basically fall apart after one wash. I think if G&O made sizing changes, or introduced a x-small size I'd probably never buy Hanky Panky even on sale. And thus concludes the longest blog post on underwear, ever.

The English Teacher's Stepford Wife

I never read the Stepford Wives novel nor have I watched the 1970s movie, but I am the happy owner of the DVD for the 2004 version. Despite it's glaring plot holes (are they robots or just brainwashed?!) I watch this movie repeatedly- I am visually addicted to it. I love the color choices, the psychotic tidiness of Stepford, and the wardrobe choices. Example:



This screen cap inspires me to have a wardrobe full of spring dresses, particularly Faith Hill's dress with the little lace trim and the big, bright poppy print. It's not necessarily the dress styles that I love, but just the visual enjoyment I have when looking at all theses dresses together, the colors and the patterns, and the idea I could have that same thrill when I open my closet. It's only February, maybe by May I'll have sewn up a fleet of spring dresses, or at the very least collected fabrics which are sometimes just as fun to look at stacked together.

Ebay Look #2 Inspiration: 3.1 Phillip Lim

I really love the look of a minimal, monochrome look with a big statement piece. Once again I looked to eBay for vintage finds. While the sweater is F21, it's at least budget-friendly, however this style and color sweater is basic enough that it could just as easily be an investment piece if one wanted to splurge.

Sweater via Forever 21

Michael Kors turtleneck via clee2574

Pants via my_designerdeals

Necklace via savingsbay

Shoes via jessamyneast

Runway photo: style.com

Self-serving final project

I took a digital art class this semester and just finished up today-hurray! For my final project I wanted to do something that I could use once the class was over, as I have far too many old projects just lying around the apartment collecting dust. So I did a series of zombie t-shirts (a la my 28 Weeks Later shirt). The last two shirts I used the pic I posted below, and the top one is an image from a 2 Halloweens ago. As you can see, I'm not so keen on ironing.







The transfers I used are crap for sure, very plasticky and cracked as soon as I folded the shirt. If I do this again I will use my original method or find a better brand of transfer. But at least I have the images ready to go.

When at Work on What Should Be a Snow-Day, One Should Avoid Doing Any Actual Work, No?

I love Jessica's style over on What I Wore! Via WIW, I sometimes read her other blog, Love Puppy, on which she made a great point yesterday about designers borrowing (sometimes heavily) from vintage pieces. As I mentioned in a post earlier this week I can't and won't spend huge $$$ for something that is fairly trendy which I can find thrifting for potentially similar quality, in my humble opinion.

So, inspired by Jessica, I scoured eBay and etsy for products to make an outfit similar to this outfit Lindsay Price wore on Lipstick Jungle which is presumably new, pricey clothing:

image via celebutopia

Not identical, of course, but similar without the huge price tag, or sacrificing quality. Also, because these are vintage or handmade items one will not run the risk of seeing the exact piece on someone else. Ah well, if nothing else it was fun searching for the clothing and playing around in Paint on a day I should be home with the Husband who did not have to go to work!

Necklace made by wiyomu
Via eBay: jeans via kittens_treasure, shoes via lulamaybeholly, shirt via jtandcompany, jacket via leatherbarn

Thrifting for silk shirts <-- lame title

I really love all the ruffly blouses this season, they're festive, stylish, and oh so girly. I can't (won't) pay the price for one of these shirts in a silk fabric, I do not want to buy a cheaper polyester-that-looks-like-silk shirt. I could just search high and low for a moderately priced one, or I could use this as an opportunity to practice my sewing skills. I found three nicer silk shirts at Goodwill the other day (one is Max Studio, which made me very happy) for under $10 total. I'm not sure what I'll do to them, maybe remove the arms and create a ruffly collar with them, or a little ruffly yoke.

A little late for a dress like this, but...

For a DIY version of the $98 Gypsy 05 dress my equation is as follows:

Vogue 8386 Pattern ($10) + Organic Fabric from Emma One Sock ($13.75 per yard x 2.75 yards) + RIT dye ($3.99 per bottle x 2 bottles- Kelly Green and Royal Blue mixed to make turquoise) = $55.79, plus or minus

The bonuses:
You now have the pattern, so you can make more of this dress in various colors
You probably have enough dye left to make a Kelly Green dress and a Royal Blue dress

So, with buying an additional 5.5 yards of the same fabric ($75.62) you get 3 dresses for $131.41 (less if you want to deviate from the higher end fabric), rather than 3 for $294.

For an even closer version, see this lovely lady's post on how to create twisted straps using Vogue 8386.

Or you could just wait for Forever21 to make a knock-off but where's the fun in that?

Fall wishes/desires/inspirations

Finally, the cooler, crisper weather is upon us here in northern New England, and a girl can't help but be drawn to cozy knits and crafty projects, which lend themselves so well to early evenings and cool temperatures. Nothing seems more cheerful and homey to me than something baking in the oven, me sitting on the futon knitting or crocheting (or at least trying to), Husband doing schoolwork, and a chill in the air. To me that beats sweating trying to cook supper and the inescapable heat and humidity of the summer months. Here are some things I've been thinking about doing to welcome the change of the season:

This is a bit Spring-y, but a sweater nonetheless from Anthropologie :


But rather than spend the $98, I'd like to try this
tutorial from Erica Makes Stuff.


More inspiration: pattern picture on the left, Diane Von Furstenberg on the right



The pattern for the green shrug is from Berroco. It tickled me pink to find the exact same mannequin pose for the pattern and the inspiration!

Buying things...

I am in dire need of some dresses and skirts that can transition from one season to another, hence my recent Forever21 purchases (I threw in a top for the free shipping).

Wardrobe Overhaul

The long weekend allowed me to take inventory of what I had (or lack thereof) hanging in my closet. My crowded, messy, shared closet was the first hurdle, I couldn't see anything that was in there. My first step was to buy a garment rack and designate a new home for my clothing away from the black hole of a closet, out in the open. After hanging up my sad duds I sifted through what remained of several recent purges, which was not much. I have a few things that I do wear often which are in good condition and are well-made, but one's wardrobe cannot subsist on two nice button-up shirts, two nice sweaters, and some work pants. Truly, sad duds. With the help of Lucky's Style Manual and a couple of my favorite blogs (Chic & Icing's Wardrobe Taming posts) , I figured out what I needed most to start building a basics wardrobe. It will probably take me a while as I like to research and price compare, but I think it will be fun and chronicling it here will keep me organized (I am a Capricorn).

The Black Pump

Of course Louboutins and Manolos are obvious choices that will last forever, but I currently don't have that kind of scratch and I am looking for a mid-range, instant gratification standard black pump.

My criterion: Black, closed-toe, non-platform, non-stacked heel, over 3 1/4 inch heel, leather or patent leather, no-frills professional-looking, under $300 (preferably under $200)

The finalists are:
Via Spiga Amanda $182.95

Nine West Gaffer $82.95

Michael Kors Cairo $229

Charles by Charles David Fate $113.95

Calvin Klein Vida $100

BCBGirls Nice $92.95

Anne Klein Chesna $263.95

Autumnal wishlist: knits

Thrifty finds

I've been on a huge vintage/thrift store kick for a couple weeks. I'm thinking about maybe doing some reselling eventually on eBay, but for now I'm just having fun hunting for stuff.

I came across a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg dress, unfortunately not one of her wrap dresses, but silk nonetheless, and $5.99!


I also found a plaid vintage top. I don't think I have the personality to pull it off, but it is very cute. It's by Rio Blouse.



Another dress, there's no brand tag but there's a small tag that says Lot 5. It almost looks homemade. I tried it on after I got home, and again, not sure if I can pull it off...still very cute, though.




I also found 2 pairs of heels. One is a maroon pair of peep-toe Hush Puppies, and the other pair is by Made in Brazil, they are a brown leather peep-toe with a wooden heel. I'm keeping both pairs, for sure.

Did I say I was obsessed?

I made this t-shirt to go see 28 Weeks Later...yeah...I did.

Consider it like people that dress up to see Pirates, or Harry Potter. I just happened to be the only one to do it for this movie.

I used this amazing tutorial except I used fabric paint instead of screenprinting ink. In the future I think I will A.) Use screenpriting ink B.) Use a looser weave of fabric.

According to the site from which I got the image: "The first draft of the IR promotional poster was 'too in your face'". Well, considering I almost had to leave the theatre while watching 28 Days Later because I was so disturbed by it I'd say this creepy poster would have been very apropos!