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.

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

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

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.

For the Love of Vintage

I'm obsessed with, and have always been, Old Stuff. I majored in Art History, that was an amazing four years of looking at and writing about Old Stuff. I like things that have had many owners and "seen" eras come and go. Antique or vintage or ancient I love it all.

I am fortunate enough to have some truly amazing vintages pieces via my late Great Aunt Gertie. I have her wooden ironing board, some of her tablecloths, some of her costume jewellery, her kitchen chairs, a pink dinnerware set, and some dainty teacups. I wish I had more of her Old Stuff. Perhaps this is why I love vintage stuff so much, I miss her and this Stuff reminds me of her. Her Old Stuff was the subject of an entire semester of artwork, the Gertie Series, if you will. Think Wayne Thiebaud and his cakes and pies-ah, he deserves his own post.

I'm certainly no purist, though. Anything that even looks vintage or is reminiscent of something vintage gets me too. Take for example my large collection of pink KitchenAid, not actual vintage, but that 1950s light pink...*drool*...or reproduction fabric, I dig it. Here are some of my favorites:

FabricAttic.com





FashionFabricsClub.com


And, of course, ReproDepot.com!
I'd push people out of the way for this fabric...